This study will adopt a qualitative research design rooted in a social constructionist epistemology, a perspective chosen to honor the subjective, deeply human nature of the therapeutic alliance. By recognizing that clinical "truth" is not a fixed fact but something living and co-created within the shared space between therapist and client, the research will utilize Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) as its primary framework.
This approach offers the necessary flexibility to delve into the subtle, "under the surface" patterns of how therapists use their own sense of self to foster healing. To gather these insights, I will invite qualified integrative therapists to share their experiences through purposive sampling. To ensure we are speaking from a shared foundation of practice, participants will be required to have at least two years of post-qualification experience and identify as "Integrative" or "Pluralistic." It is also vital that they actively engage in reflexive supervision, ensuring that the stories shared are grounded in careful, professional reflection. This approach will allow for a rich collection of "clinical wisdom," capturing the thoughtful, nuanced ways seasoned practitioners navigate the complexities of their work.
The data will grow out of semi-structured, one-to-one interviews held via a secure video platform. I will use a flexible thematic guide as a starting point, which will act as a gentle anchor while allowing us the freedom to follow the unique and often unexpected threads of the participants鈥� own narratives. This conversational style will prioritize an open, authentic dialogue, making it possible to co-construct a rich understanding of how therapists personally experience and make sense of Therapist Self-Disclosure (TSD). Before beginning, we will move through a careful informed consent process together, and I will implement a dual-layer confidentiality protocol to ensure a safe, protected space for the therapists to speak freely while maintaining the utmost respect and anonymity for the clients they so carefully describe.
Analysis will follow the iterative phases outlined by Braun and Clarke, beginning with a period of deep immersion and familiarization where I will "dwell" within the transcripts to capture the essence of each encounter. Shorthand labels will be applied to data segments, moving from simple descriptions to the latent, underlying meanings behind each disclosure. These codes will eventually be collated into broader patterns of shared meaning, which will then be refined and named to reflect the distinct clinical relevance of each thematic cluster. This synthesis will allow for the creation of an analytical narrative that directly addresses the nuances of how integrative practitioners navigate the relational boundaries of their practice.
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