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Exploring the meaning in meaningful coincidences: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of synchronicity in therapy

Roxburgh, E. C., Ridgway, S. and Roe, C. A. (2015) Exploring the meaning in meaningful coincidences: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of synchronicity in therapy. European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling. 17(2), pp. 144-161. 1364-2537.

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Roxburgh_etal_TFO_2015_Exploring_the_meaning_in_meaningful_coincidences_An_interpretative_phenomenological_analysis_of_synchronicity_in_therapy.pdf - Accepted Version
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Abstract:
Synchronicity experiences (SEs) are defined as psychologically meaningful connections between inner events (e.g. thought, dream or vision) and one or more external events occurring simultaneously or at a future point in time. There has been limited systematic research that has investigated the phenomenology of SEs in therapy. This study aimed to redress this by exploring the process and nature of such experiences from the perspective of the practitioner. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of nine practitioners who reported SEs in their therapeutic sessions (three counsellors, three psychologists and three psychotherapists), and focused on how participants make sense of their experiences of synchronicity in therapy. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify three superordinate themes: sense of connectedness, therapeutic process, and professional issues. Findings suggest that SEs can serve to strengthen the therapeutic relationship and are perceived as useful harbingers of information about the therapeutic process, as well as being a means of overcoming communication difficulties, as they are seen to provide insights into the client’s experiencing of themselves and others, regardless of whether or not the SE is acknowledged by the client or disclosed by the therapist.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Interpretative phenomenological analysis, meaningfulcoincidence, practitioner, synchronicity, therapeutic process, therapeutic relationship
Creators:
Roxburgh, E. C., Ridgway, S. and Roe, C. A.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
Research Centres > Centre for Health Sciences and Services
Date:
26 June 2015
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 144-161
Journal or Publication Title:
European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling
Volume:
17
Number:
2
Number of Pages:
18
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1080/13642537.2015.1027784
ISSN:
1364-2537
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
Related URLs:
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