| The purpose of this study is to deepen our understanding of the experiences of relational clinicians who work with women that struggle with eating disorders. Relational-Cultural Theory informs this study insofar as eating disorders are understood as reflecting a lack of "mutuality" in relationships and contribute to the etiology and maintenance of mental health problems. In this project, "mutuality" is informed by psychodynamic theory and defined as attunement and responsiveness to the subjective, inner experience of the other, at a cognitive and affective level. Fostering mutuality in therapy is done via empathic attunement and purposeful self-disclosure. Unlike the detached, observing Freudian therapist, "self-disclosure" is defined in this study as authentically representing oneself in the therapy relationship. The relational clinician self-discloses by revealing their thoughts and feelings to enhance the growth of the client.;The literature review indicates that while there is a significant association between a women's struggle with food and her relationships with family, peer, and romantic partners, there is a scarcity of literature focusing on the relationship with the clinician. The current study addresses this insufficiency.;Eight participants were selected for this study after passing a pre-screening questionnaire in which they self-identified as "relational". Participants were interviewed face-to-face using a semi-structured and open-ended question format. These interviews helped to inform the researcher's conceptualization of the therapists' subjective experience. Qualitative methods allow for greater opportunity to yield a more comprehensive understanding of treatment for eating disorders. Interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis.;Interview results highlight the following shared intentions in relational therapy: therapeutic relationship as central, seeing the client's perspective, using self-disclosure, making space for all of the client's feelings, honoring the client's needs, and being present in the therapeutic relationship . The few unexpected themes that unfolded include: multidisciplinary approach as a support for individual therapy, self-disclosure as an intuitive process, and tolerating one's own discomfort.;This project increased our understanding of the intentions and styles of relational therapists. These findings are applicable to both the training of new therapists and the ongoing work of experienced practitioners as they treat this pervasive and complex illness. |
