Kroppen viser vei: en eksplorerende studie av psykologers forståelse og bruk av kroppslige aspekter som del av sitt terapeutiske virke

This study is an attempt to get a better understanding of psychotherapist's phenomenological understanding of how bodily aspects are included as part of their therapeutic work. In our work we have applied a moderate degree of mixed methods design based on semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire. Data were obtained by interviews with 9 practicing psychologists and by 52 others responding to the questionnaire. Psychologists were asked to describe how methods related to the body were included in their therapeutic work. Through a descriptive analysis of the data from the questionnaire, some indications of which body-based methods therapists use in their daily practice were identified. Five main themes emerged through a phenomenological-hermeneutic analysis of the data from the qualitative interviews : Reflection and theoretical understanding of the role of the body in therapy", Therapists observe and interpret the patient's bodily expression", Therapists use body-based interventions in therapy", Therapists use their own body as part of therapy", and Therapists assess patients acceptance and tolerance for bodily focus". Our main finding from the analysis is that a majority of the participants in both groups report an inclusion of the body, primarily through observation of the patient's nonverbal expression, and by addressing the bodily expression and sensations of the patient. A majority also report utilizing sensations in their own body as a therapeutic guide. A minority report they are also working with bodily movements and actions. The majority report that they are either avoiding or being restrictive in their use of bodily contact as part of their therapeutic practice