Vulnerable Dialogue: Creating a Climate of Connection and Change through Group Processing in Qualitative Research

To attend to current cultural demands, it is essential that qualitative research broaches topics of diversity. More specifically, creating a culture of authentic dialogue and meaningful connection when discussing areas of diversity may help remedy the divisiveness that appears to be prevalent in society. We posit that qualitative research is positioned to add to and change the dialogue in a growth promoting way. In our research, a phenomenological (van Manen, 1990) autoethnography (Muncey, 2010) was utilized to provide enriched understanding of the lived experiences of four counselor education doctoral students with diverse religious/spiritual beliefs. The researcher-participants used music, photographs, reflective journaling, and group process to represent their experiences. The group cohesiveness created from this experience was of a depth that all researcher-participants did not anticipate; one that bypassed individual differences. This presentation will clearly describe the unique aspects of the methodology utilized. In addition to the combination of autoethnography and phenomenology, the creation and use of the group process will be highlighted. This group processing became both a means for data collection and analysis that became central to the research process. This research is an authentic example of vulnerable dialogue; where there was more than merely talking about religion/spirituality. This presentation will teach attendees to encounter and create this form of dialogue to promote connection, growth, and change. As counselors, educators, and qualitative researchers, we plan to focus this presentation on how attendees can aid in molding a culture of authenticity, connection, and cultural awareness