The Irish Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy formerly • Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020

• The Wisdom of Our Elders • The creative arts offer many unique contributions to psychotherapy and Equality, Diversity counselling: A student’s subjective review • Why there is still a need for Pride celebrations in ? & Inclusion • ‘That safety of naming’: exploring internalised homonegativity in LGBTQ+ therapists and its impact on therapeutic work • Psychotherapists’ Lived Experience of Psychological Blind Spots: Findings from a Hermeneutic Phenomenological Enquiry Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020

Contents

From the Editor 3 Our Title In Autumn 2017, our title changed The Wisdom of Our Elders 4 from “Éisteach” to “The Irish Journal By Dr Karen Ward of Counselling and Psychotherapy” or “IJCP” for short. The creative arts offer many unique contributions to 8 psychotherapy and counselling: A student’s subjective review Disclaimer: By Eileen M. Higgins The views expressed in this publication, save where otherwise Why there is still a need for Pride celebrations in Ireland? 11 indicated, are the views of By Dermot McCarthy contributors and not necessarily the views of the Irish Association for ‘That safety of naming’: exploring internalised homonegativity 15 Counselling and Psychotherapy. The in LGBTQ+ therapists and its impact on therapeutic work appearance of an advertisement in By Neil O’Connor this publication does not necessarily indicate approval by the Irish Psychotherapists’ Lived Experience of Psychological Blind 22 Association for Counselling and Spots: Findings from a Hermeneutic Phenomenological Enquiry Psychotherapy for the product or By Melanie McGovern service advertised.

Book Review 29 Next Issue: 1st March 2021 Poetry 30 Deadline for Advertising Noticeboard 31 Submissions for Next Issue: 1st February 2021 For more information regarding advertising please contact Hugh Editorial Board: O’Donoghue, Communications and Mike Hackett (Chair), Cóilín Ó Braonáin, Hugh Morley, Maureen McKay Media Officer by email: [email protected] Redmond, Kaylene Petersen, Annette Murphy, Terry Naughton, Lynne or by phone: (01) 214 79 33 Caffrey. Editor: Scripts: Mike Hackett Each issue of IJCP is planned well in advance of the publication date and Design and layout: some issues are themed. If you are GKD.ie interested in submitting an article ISSN: for consideration, responding to 2565-540X the Therapist’s Dilemma or wish to contribute a book or workshop review Advertising rates and deadlines: or Letter to the Editor, please see Contact the IACP for details. (Early booking essential) ‘Guidelines for Submitting Articles’ © Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy – IACP on the IACP website, www.iacp.ie. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, Contacting IJCP: photocopying, recording, or otherwise), except for brief referenced extracts for the purpose [email protected] of review, without the prior written permission of the copyright owners.

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP

From the Editor:

being somewhat irrelevant due to the significant societal change and acceptance of LGBT+ people, while simultaneously exposing the impact of and minority stress and the findings of recent studies exploring LGBT+ mental health challenges, Dermot makes a case for Pride to continue and become even more inclusive despite all that’s been accomplished. In the second piece, Neil O’Connor presents a remarkable insight into the lived experiences of LGBT+ therapists’ “internalised homonegativity and its impact on Dear Colleagues, to each, exploring themes from therapeutic work”. Neil’s work the past, present and future. stresses the vital importance of Hello and welcome to the Winter What is particularly striking is the “cultural competency education 2020 Issue of the Irish Journal of humility with which they reflect on for therapists, and the central role Counselling and Psychotherapy on their myriad contributions to our played by therapist self-examination the topic of Equality, Diversity & profession over time. We are all and engagement with personal Inclusion. Due to the success of the indeed truly blessed to stand on the process” a useful call to action to all recent IACP Conference on the same shoulders of such giants. of us, irrespective of our sexuality. theme, we present five articles, Exploring creative arts through Our final academic work comes some of which broaden and build her own lived experience as a from the IACP Research Bursary on the areas offered at the 17th psychotherapy student, and mother Award winner for 2020, Melanie October event. Further, our content of a child diagnosed with Autism McGovern from Galway. Melanie’s represents a diverse cross-section Spectrum Disorder, Eileen Higgins work represents a phenomenological of our professional community provides a rich account of this enquiry into “psychotherapists’ lived from student voices, to practising remarkable vehicle for personal professionals, researchers and the transformation. Eileen’s work was experience of psychological blind wisdom of senior clinicians. We selected to provide additional spots”. Through this exploration, hope you enjoy the brief respite from testimony to Eoin Stephen’s we are reminded of our duty as all things COVID-19 related and find conference 2020 submission both people and professionals to something to revitalise, nourish and “’Working Therapeutically with Adult “question not only our subjectivity prompt your winter reflections in the Autistic Clients: A Neurodiversity but others short-sightedness … months ahead. Perspective”. Her final thought is for it is only through the potency Our first article by Dr Karen Ward perhaps a useful reminder to all of of awareness that we have the gives voice to the elder members us engaged in personal process potential to change”. This final piece of our professional community. work; “when words fail, art may offers much as we all strive to hone Perhaps often overlooked, their prevail!”. our personal and professional ethos tremendous experience and wisdom, Next, two articles add different of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity. accumulated over many decades perspectives on the topic of Finally, on behalf of the Editorial can often remain locked away and LGBT+ dynamics, building on Dil Committee of the IJCP, I would like out of sight. Including these voices Wickremasinghe’s conference to offer you, your families and those in this issue provides richness and submission “Inspiring Change in Self you care about our very best wishes context to our current practice and and Society”. In the first, Dermot for Christmas and the New Year and contextualises our profession as McCarthy explores “Why there is a brighter, less worrisome 2021 we undergo further change and still a need for Pride celebrations ahead. growth. Karen selects five wise in Ireland”. Addressing both the elders and asks four questions assumptive position of LGBT+ Pride Mike Hackett.

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 3 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020

Practitioner Perspective The Wisdom of Our Elders By Dr Karen Ward

The Interview Questions For this reflective piece, I felt that open-ended questions, of a more philosophical nature, would elicit the insight and erudition of the 5 participants while allowing them the opportunity to offer their perceptions about the counselling and psychotherapy profession and mental health in Ireland. Their words are presented verbatim as I made a conscious decision to purposely step aside to allow their sagaciousness shine forth.

These were: • How do you view the Irish mental health system of the past? • How do you view it presently? ithin our counselling and senior colleagues, the pioneers • What are your dreams for the Wpsychotherapy community of our profession and how most future of mental health in Ireland? resides a deep repository of of us only hear their wealth of • What do you see as your wisdom and knowledge from experience at various AGMs or personal contribution to Irish our most seasoned members. Forums, if at all. I felt there was a mental health with the principle The voices of our elder, more dearth of their insightful specialist that ‘one person can make a experienced professionals, experience in written form difference’? in essence the pillars of our especially those who are founders community, are perhaps more of IACP, the largest association Interviewees Short Biographies & vital than ever in our vastly for the profession in the country. Contributions changing world. Inspired by the ‘Viktor Frankl’ Ursula O’Farrell was one of the Having been a member of the series of interviews published in founding members of IAC (a former Irish Association for Counselling the Irish Journal of Counselling incarnation of IACP) in 1981 and and Psychotherapy (IACP) for & Psychotherapy (IJCP)1, I invited was Cathaoirleach from 1991 over 19 years, I am increasingly some of our elder associates – 1995. She set up her private conscious of the diversity within and ex-Cathaoirligh to answer 4 practice in the early ‘80s and our client cohort and indeed within philosophical style open ended retired in 2015. She has written the counselling community. This questions. Patricia Kennedy, Joe several books on counselling journal, the many conferences Heffernan, Ursula O’Farrell and based on the courses she gave in and workshops available today Cecilia Homan kindly gave me Maynooth College for many years. provoke thinking on wider issues their heartfelt answers to the Patricia Kennedy, with a BA, MA including those of inclusivity and past, present and future of our and PhD in psychology from UCD, equality. In this context, I began profession along with well-known has been a stalwart member of to reflect on the wisdom of our psychiatrist Ivor Browne. IACP for many years. She was

1 Written by Prof. James C. Overholser and published in the IJCP with Part 1 appearing in Spring 2018, Part 2 in Summer 2018 and Part 3, in Autumn 2018.

4 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP

Cathaoirleach from 1998-2001 and objective: To provide and define were volunteer counsellors who were runs her private counselling and help for those who struggle with working with people with ‘problems’. supervisory practise in South . their mental health. They were filling the gap in the lack of Joe Heffernan was a secondary services which were not provided by school teacher for 28 years, Patricia Kennedy (PK): the government. Eventually people receiving his MA from UCC, in the Like any development began to recognise the value of this 1980s. As an accredited member of with ‘lasting’ power and work and formed groups which were IACP for 20 years, he was the 2018 presence, counselling community based and had to raise recipient of the Carl Berkeley Award. and psychotherapy money in all sorts of ways. This was Cecilia Homan was one of the developed organically. far from satisfactory as there were founding members of IAC (now From beginning seeds of insight into no recognised training courses IACP) serving on the Executive the fact that people were no longer available to these people. The Extra Committee. As a marriage guidance supported by previously accepted Mural Course in Counselling was set counsellor, having received a certainties, thoughtful heads up by NUI Maynooth in the 1980’s. It degree in Social Studies initially, pondered the support requirements gave a grounding in theory, skills and Cecilia co-founded counselling to resolve a perceived difficulty. As personal development to thousands courses in Maynooth College and far back as 7,000BC., according to of people and was a key element in established a counselling centre in Anderson (1973) voluntary the growth of counselling/ Jobstown, Tallaght. associations became a means of psychotherapy in Ireland. Ivor Browne, UCD Professor survival in often hostile Emeritus, was given a fellowship environments. Ivor Browne (IB): to Harvard University where he In a word, containment. studied Public and Community Joe Heffernan (JH): In Ireland, an asylum Mental Health. He retired as I think that a major infrastructure was built Chief Psychiatrist of the Eastern obstacle to the like no other in the Health Board in Ireland, continuing treatment by, and British Empire. his psychotherapeutic practice positive outcomes of, Whereas most of those institutions and publishing two books. He the counselling/ were established with a purpose, a conceived and was director of psychotherapy/mental health areas curative focus along with a regime the Irish Foundation for Human in the past was the stigma of practices that corresponded to Development, which established attached to accessing those notions of treatment, in Ireland the the first Community Association in services, such as they were. asylum came to function as a Dublin’s Ballyfermot as well as the Treatment centres were repository for the perceived social Inner-City Trust in Derry. confrontational with very little ills of the day. Moral treatment gave empathy. I know this from personal way to a form of human Interview experience nearly 50 years ago. I warehousing into which many would find it difficult to be positive transgressive souls were exiled and How do you view the Irish mental of such services then. Counselling rendered invisible. In my early career health system of the past? and psychotherapy services were in psychiatry I encountered the very thin on the ground though overcrowded wards of the mental Ursula O’Farrell (UO’F): much more empathic. The hospital: some 2,000 in The first time I told fellowships of AA, NA and such Grangegorman, a further 2,000 at someone I was a were marvellously effective if St Ita’s Portrane and a so-called counsellor their availed of, as they are now. overspill of several hundred in St response was “Oh! I Mary’s in the Phoenix Park. didn’t know you worked Cecilia Homan (CH): for the County Council!” Up to The Irish counselling/ How do you view the Irish mental 1980, except for AA and Marriage psychotherapy/mental health system presently? Counselling, mental health was not health system was very recognised as a specific area in haphazard in the past. UO’F: It is difficult to comprehend which to organise help. Our like- The psychiatrist was the the size of the turnaround, even minded group, the fledgling IAC, only person recognised as being having lived through and co- came together somewhat randomly, capable of helping a person suffering facilitated this. I believe our but all focused on a similar from anxiety or depression. There use of the title Irish Association

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 5 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 for Counselling highlighted and high cost. I would like to see grants Jung developed on the spiritual emphasised the promotion of the being made available from the dimension of the human person. profession of counselling rather Government for this purpose. Neuroscience demonstrates how than nearly a support group the cerebral road map throws light for those who might work as IB: The word might be control. on possible sources of our thinking counsellors. We aimed to define Certainly there was movement and the importance, for instance, standards and definitions of what within the mental hospital at the of repetition of beneficial thoughts. was a relatively new profession. level of the ward system but while The longer we follow the path of there was a road in, there was no discovery of the best method of PK: Formal voluntary organisations obvious road out. It was a one-way helping our clients, the stronger developed when certain cultural system. Instead of an occupancy the profession will be. My dream and historical factors coalesced. for life in one institution, the for the future of counselling/ As an example, relationship contemporary patient occupies psychotherapy is a willingness counselling is mainly a a circuit, distributed across a to gain further insight from our phenomenon of the second half of series of interconnected, certainly knowledge of the interaction the 20th century. It experienced the smaller institutional sites where between the environment and the particular impetus after the growth they must be seen to be moving. individual personality. in post-World War II of marriage However, it is not a situation where difficulties. Voluntary marriage the person becomes a genuine part JH: I think Statutory Regulation counselling services became a of the community. It may no longer will contribute even more to the reality in Ireland in the 1960s. be confinement that psychiatry profession and the protection of Japan, Britain and Ireland would must defend itself against: these those who avail of the services. point to the 1920s as the time of days it stands accused instead of their first guidance interventions. neglect as we encounter the figure CH: My dream is to have a Counselling and psychotherapy in of the abandoned mad person on counsellor/psychotherapist in Ireland developed, particularly from the streets of our cities. every school. When I say ‘every 1982 when the first monitoring school’ I am talking about primary body was set up in Dublin. What are your dreams for the and secondary school. This future of mental health in Ireland? person would be employed as a JH: The main advantages and full time, permanent counsellor/ efficacy of counselling and UO’F: I would like to see a greater psychotherapist. His/her job to be psychotherapy in the present are acceptance and understanding of available to students during school the availability of these throughout the nature of our profession. So hours. If there was a counsellor to the country, the improvement often counselling is still viewed listen to a child affected by bullying in the education and support of as ‘advice giving’. It would be or anxiety, it would help that child counsellors and psychotherapists beneficial if this prospective could to grow in confidence. with the oversight and support of shift to an awareness of and a organisations such as IACP. The focus on the client’s self-knowledge IB: My first hope for the future demands made for qualification, and self-determination too, and is for a far greater emphasis on accreditation and supervision in the resulting ability to make choices for psychotherapy. I would like to see profession have contributed to very themselves. Perhaps we could aim the re-introduction of training in high standards. towards more in-depth and public psychotherapy for psychiatrists. articles and discussions exploring These days a consultation in CH: Now we have degree level the nature of counselling. As well I Outpatients can be a very brief training courses. That is a step in would like to see greater availability encounter. I also hope that the field the right direction. However, the and affordability of counselling for of mental medicine can rediscover cost of an accredited training course those who could benefit, as well as the connection between human is out of reach of many people. enforceable standards across all problems of living and life itself. I There are people who, after working levels. would also love to see mental health in a support group in a voluntary services re-imagined according to capacity for some time, recognise PK: Now practitioners, through the original notion of asylum, the their innate qualities and would CPD, are exposed to all or some idea of a safe harbour - a sanctuary, love to qualify as an accredited of the newer insights including a temporary place of refuge that gets counsellor but cannot afford the the expanded theories Carl you back into the game of life. That

6 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP kind of approach will only work when gave me the greatest sense of the final question due to their mental distress is incorporated and satisfaction. I facilitated women’s humble and modest nature. I salute understood as an integral part of life groups in Personal Development you all with gratitude – we stand on rather than some form of disease. as part of the Shanty Educational your shoulders indeed. Project (now An Cosain) in Jobstown What do you see as your personal also establishing a counselling contribution to Irish mental health service in Tallaght. I feel becoming Dr Karen Ward with the principle that ‘one person a Supervisor was the culmination of can make a difference’? my work in counselling. Dr Karen Ward is an accredited UO’F: I feel I was lucky to be IB: Mine was an attempted counselling psychotherapist and available and involved at such contribution. Certainly, I participated supervisor (BSc (hons), MA, Dip. a crucial time in the history of in a reform movement that saw Psychotherapy, MIACP). Her PhD counselling in Ireland, and doubly a radical reduction in the patient research at DCU encompassed privileged to have had the support populations of mental hospitals. a specific Energy Therapy and shared enthusiasm and In short, I found myself in the right technique to safely introduce non- competence of all our founding time and place, you might say denominational spirituality within members. I managed to be in the belatedly in the case of Ireland, a counselling setting which she right place at the right time and I to fully take on and support the now teaches worldwide. Based regret having had to retire. process of deinstitutionalisation. In at her Dublin Clinic since 1997, my own approach I have taken the Karen is author of innovative book PK: It is nigh on impossible for view that we are all living systems ‘Change a Little to Change a Lot’, a practitioner to rate the effect trying to make sense of the world and the holistic therapist in RTE’s of his/her influence on clients. and as such, are in need, at certain ‘Health Squad 2002-2007 and Sometimes we get an inkling. crucial times, of some kindness, BBC’s Last Resort 2008. Karen is Better ask the clients!!! compassion and understanding in a regular contributor to ‘Naturally order to find our way back to health - Good Health’ magazine and RTE JH: I have had the great privilege we are all living, human ‘becomings’ website’s Brainstorm section. of counselling clients over my 20 trying our best to make sense of life Email: years in the profession. I was as we think we know it. [email protected] asked by a very well-known radio Web: station 96FM/C103 to cover a Conclusion www.drkarenwardtherapist.ie counselling/ psychotherapy slot I became a counselling each and (almost) every Tuesday. psychotherapist in 1997 and IACP We celebrated my 20 years doing was accredited in 2001. I always that weekly segment recently. I have perceived that the profession REFERENCES received great support and positive was much older than it is and the Anderson, R. T. (1973). Voluntary Associations in History: From Palaeolithic to responses verbally and in writing founder’s endeavours and rationale Present Times. In D. H. Smith (Ed.), Voluntary from clients. I am very grateful for were lost in the proverbial mists Action Research (pp. 9–28). Lexington Books. Browne, I. (2008). Music and Madness. Cork this and I hope to continue working of time. It wasn’t until I read the University Press. in this profession for many years to IACP book ‘Celebrating 30 Years’ Browne, I. (2013). The Writings of Ivor Browne: Steps Along the Road-the Evolution of a Slow come. I MIGHT call it a day at 90. (IACP, 2011) that I realised not only Learner. Atrium. was the profession relatively new Corey, G. (1996). Theoretical implications CH: My highlights include being (early 1980s) but that the founders, of MCT theory. In D. W. Sue, A. E. Ivye and Pedersen, P. B., A theory of multicultural a member of the Executive rapidly retiring, were amongst us at counselling & therapy (pp. 99-111). Brooks/ Committee of the newly formed regular IACP meetings. Having had Cole. Irish Association for Counselling & Irish Association for Counselling, the honour of talking to a handful of Psychotherapy. (2011). Irish Association for with Ursula O’Farrell setting up these and Ivor Browne, well known Counselling & Psychotherapy: Celebrating 30 years. Irish Association for Counselling & part time counselling courses NUI psychiatrist in the changing story of Psychotherapy. Maynooth - not professional courses Irish mental health, I feel that I now Jung, C. (2001). Modern man in search of a soul, Oxford: Routledge Classics. but a key element in the growth appreciate all the more the nature O’Farrell, U. (1999). Courage to change: the of counselling in Ireland. Looking of their resilience, tenacity and counselling process. Veritas Publications. back over the years I would say success. It is important to note that O’Farrell, U. (2006). First steps in counselling. Veritas Publications. my work with the women’s groups I had to cajole all of them to answer

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 7 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020

Student Voice The creative arts offer many unique contributions to psychotherapy and counselling: A student’s subjective review By Eileen M. Higgins

rt therapy is Aclearly effective for recovering or remembering the ‘self’; it taps into the child of ourselves - our inner child. Removing oneself from the adult-self or ‘ego’. Thus, the true self is unencumbered

was found to be on the Autism spectrum. Unable to communicate his feelings and thoughts, art therapy was introduced by my n this article, I will discuss designed and placed in son’s Occupational therapist. Iexpressive therapy, its themes, specific locations to encourage Dalley states “… art therapy concepts, and the creative contemplation. For example, can offer an alternative, non- process of emotional and Berset’s Broken Chair, (Handicap verbal means of communication cognitive expression. Specifically, International, (HI) humanity & for those whose use of speech I will examine the correlation inclusion, 2018) a powerful or understanding of words is between art and therapy from two symbolic expression; stimulating incomplete or non-existent.” perspectives; that of a student, reflection and encouraging action (1984, p. 115). In the case of and as a parent of a child for the victims of war from those my son, the theme chosen was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum in leadership. animals. It is widely understood Disorder (ASD). Therefore, I I was introduced to art therapy and accepted that individuals delineate my experiential learning over fifteen years ago, long with ASD benefit greatly from and understanding of the creative before I fashioned the intent of interactions with animals and expressive therapy module becoming a counsellor. I was, (Autismawarenesscentre.com, through my own story. among other things at that time, a 2020). Through this creative So, what is it about art that parent to three children. At aged and expressive therapy, it was brings more awareness? Many four and without speech, my son, possible for me to capture the artworks are meticulously and youngest child at that time, essence of his condition and

8 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP acquire insight into a little of my ith crayons, one ‘good’ painting…” (Dalley, 1984, son’s inner world. Gaining an p. xvii). In addition, keeping in Awareness- a feeling sense of Wmay easily craft mind my son’s prior beneficial my son’s world from inside out. imperfections and flaws. experience with art therapy, I Importantly, allowing my son to Essentially, the crayons involved myself in the module with meaningfully engage with me both interest and curiosity. and others. With his amassed still worked and may Beginning with improved control collection of drawings dispersed be used for colouring; over my ‘inner critic’ I immersed throughout our home, my son damaged, they may be, yet myself in creative expression. creatively communicated his inner still useful Interestingly, after choosing the emotions and thoughts through materials I wanted to work with – this alternative medium. crayons, I spontaneously began Emery (2004) reports on a theoretical modalities in art to break each crayon and peel off study of the growth and progress therapy (Hogan, 2015); such as their wrappers. What materials of a six-year-old boy diagnosed the psychodynamic approach of we choose to use in art therapy with Autism using art therapy Freud and Jung, and the client- can be as significant as the image as an intervention, “… use of centred approach of Rogers we create (Orbach, 2003, p. 2). nonverbal expression through (1951). For example, Freud’s Therefore, what meaning did the experience of making art concept of free association this seemingly involuntary action encourages children with autism (Jones, 2018) may be viewed as convey? Later I was to discover to begin to represent their integral to creative processes, that it did indeed hold a particular experience.” (p.147). Progressing encouraging individuals’ meaning. However, if anyone had further, and through continued exploration of inner thoughts and noticed and inquired at that time, employment of his own drawings, feelings. This allows for instinctive the answer that apprehension my son’s vocabulary grew, and to expression, free of rehearsal. The had been the most probable an acceptable standard. Although “… therapist uses the arts as motive for this behaviour, would still below average for his age, a healing process and for self- have been offered. Nevertheless, it was sufficient for entry to exploration and understanding,” I remained consciously aware mainstream school. Moreover, (Rogers, 1993, p. 98). Through my of this outwardly as, perhaps, he excelled at art, and his verbal engagement with an art therapy an anxiety response. Orbach communication continued to module during my training, highlights (2003) “how accurately improve over the years. It is I discovered how day-to-day … materials express … emotions this emphasis on strengths and occurrences impress on whatever and state-of-mind … the selection inner resources that facilitate is created; how I was feeling of materials is often governed development of the individual’s in the moment. Rogers (1993) by unconscious processes potential (Academy of Pediatrics, indicates that “…creative arts rather than logic or conscious 2020) and thus provided a sense is [sic] a powerful and effective knowledge” (p. 3). Additionally, of accomplishment. Accordingly, way to help clients identify and and importantly, it was the developing confidence and be in touch with their feelings.” material that suited me best “… increased self-esteem, resulting (p.96). Art can communicate the creator will always choose in academic achievement (Al- feelings and thoughts which are the best-suited Materials that Hebaish, 2012). For example, otherwise non-verbalised. Rogers reflect his innermost feelings to date, he not only sat the (1993) explains how by utilising, and desires,” (Orbach, 2003, p. Leaving certificate exam, but “…expressive arts also allows 3). Furthermore, McNiff (1994) passed every subject. Quite the clients to tap into and explore indicates that “I create from accomplishment when one is unconscious material.” (p. 97). where I am not from where I think reminded of the once four-year-old Importantly, one does not require I should be.” (p. 35). boy who was without speech. natural creative skill to involve With crayons, one may easily Regarding art in therapy, is the oneself: with art therapy the “… craft imperfections and flaws. counsellor’s therapeutic approach general emphasis [is] on self- Essentially, the crayons still significant? There are differing expression, rather than making a worked and may be used for

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 9 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 colouring; damaged, they may be, and emotions to emerge. Ask a yet still useful. personally found it four-year-old to draw a picture, During my life, I have I frustrating to always be and in the case with my own son, experienced many difficulties and given a set theme during he absorbed uncontaminated have overcome many adversities by self-consciousness; and in including; losing the sight in one my art module at college. doing so discovered the secret; eye, having a significant hearing This, also revealing one is free from suppositions, impairment, incurable tinnitus, much of my personality of judgement, and presumptions, twice surviving breast cancer, and preferring to go my own where self-consciousness a resultant heart condition. More otherwise may inhibit self- recently I have been undergoing way and not follow the expression. By employing art tests for suspected Multiple rulebook therapy with the interpretation Sclerosis (MS). Just like the of visual images combined with broken and wrapper-less crayons, ‘talk’ therapy – clients may I still work! Notwithstanding and of preferring to go my own way uncover emotions and thoughts despite all of these immense and not follow the rulebook. that they may not otherwise difficulties, I remain resolute. Importantly, it reflects the fact have been capable of accessing With the capacity to take on new that I am a published fiction directly – put another way, when challenges, perhaps not the same author; as fiction of course allows words fail, art may prevail! as in the past, nevertheless, I can for free expression. Consequently, keep moving forward; discover following from this experience, it new purpose, and create new is useful to regard art as being a Eileen M. Higgins goals for myself. Indeed, difficult medium or vehicle for reflection times in our lives may shape us, and self-discovery. however, they do not define us. To conclude, art therapy is Eileen hails from Kildare, is a Returning to the subject of clearly effective for recovering or published author of fiction novels, themes in art therapy, e.g. the remembering the ‘self’; it taps and a parent of five children, animal theme utilised in my into the child of ourselves - our ranging in age from 10 – 30 years. son’s case, I personally found inner child. Removing oneself Two of her sons are on the Autism it frustrating to always be given from the adult-self or ‘ego’. Thus, spectrum. She has a Diploma a set theme during my art the true self is unencumbered; in Counselling and is a newly module at college. This, also allowing for natural creative accredited Counsellor (This issue’s revealing much of my personality expression of our inner thoughts list of first time accreditations).

REFERENCES

Academy of Pediatrics, (2020). Building resilience in children. [online] Jones, J. (2018). About the free associations method. [online] Available Available at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/ at http://www.freudfile.org/psychoanalysis/free_associations.html emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Building-Resilience-in- [Accessed 30 November 2018]. Children.aspx [Accessed 10 August 2020]. McNiff, S. (1992). Art as medicine: creating a therapy of the imagination. Autism Awareness Centre. (2020). How animals benefit individuals London: Judy Piatkus (Publishers) Ltd. with autism. [online] Available at https://autismawarenesscentre.com/ animals-benefit-individuals-autism/ [Accessed 07 August 2020]. Al-Hebaish, S. M. (2012). The correlation between general self- confidence and academic achievement in the oral presentation course. Dalley, T. (1984). Art as therapy: an introduction to the use of the art as a Theory and practice in language studies, 2(1), 60-65 therapeutic technique. London: Routledge. Orbach, N. (2003). On materials in art and art therapy. [online] Available Emery, M. J. (2004). Art therapy: Journal of the American art therapy association: Art therapy as an intervention for Autism, 21(3), 143-147. at http://www.nonaorbach.com/NonaOrbach_on_materials_in_art.pdf [Accessed 25 November 2018]. Handicap International, humanity & inclusion (HI). (2018). Discover broken chair. [online] Available at http://broken-chair.com/en/ [Accessed Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy: its current practice, 25 November 2018]. implications and theory. London: Constable Hogan, S. (2015) Art therapy theories: A critical introduction. London: Rogers, N. (1993). The creative connection: expressive arts as healing. Routledge. USA: Science & Behavior Books, Inc.

10 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP

Academic Article Why there is still a need for Pride celebrations in Ireland? By Dermot McCarthy death of a man. That man was Declan Flynn. To be LGBT+ in Ireland in the ‘80s was a bleak prospect. It was illegal to be gay. Within this hostile environment, would seek each other out in suggested places, one such place was Fairview Park. In that park, Declan Flynn was attacked and murdered by five young men. His attackers were found not guilty of his murder. This enraged the Irish LGBT+ Community. In 1984, 200 people marched in protest at the verdict. It was the first official Pride event in Ireland (Buch, 2016). It has been over 40 yrs since the 1974 Pride protest march. Within this time fundamental changes occurred concerning LGBT+ Rights within ith the recent Irish LGBT+ of Irish LGBT+ rights. In 2019, the Ireland. In 1993, Wequality laws passed; I LGBT+ Community around the World was decriminalised. In 2015, Ireland consider the role, if any, of Pride celebrated 50 yrs of the Stonewall became the first nation to pass Gay in Modern Ireland. I begin with a riots. The Stonewall riots were to Marriage by public vote. In the same brief introduction to Irish LGBT+ many the start of the LGBT+ Rights year, the Gender Recognition Act History. I explain minority stress and Movement (Shape, 2019). Similarly, was passed, allowing individuals heteronormality. I provide the reader throughout Irish History, there are to change their gender assigned with two recent reports which convey various accounts of rebellion, this to them at birth. This was a worrying statistics in relation to aspect of Irish Culture, that is to landmark decision for the Irish Trans LGBT + mental health. I explain that rebel when oppressed (Wikipedia Community. (Halpin, 2018). In 2017, members of the Irish contributors, 2019). The Irish LGBT+ Ireland elected its first openly gay Community and others still feel community are no exception. Taoiseach (Linehan, excluded from Pride. I give examples Pride in Ireland also has its 2017). Pride festivals now in Ireland of the benefits of Modern Pride roots in protest. On Saturday, 27th have encountered record numbers celebrations in relation to my client, June 1974, the first Pride march attending their events. Dublin Pride myself, and rural Ireland. I concluded took place in Dublin. Ten men and 2018, for example, had over 60,000 that there is still a need for Pride ten women, mainly members of participants, a far cry from the brave in Modern Ireland in supporting Belfast’s Society and 200 individuals who marched in the the mental well-being of the Irish Dublin’s Sexual Liberation Movement first official Pride event in Dublin LGBT+ Community, but Pride must marched in protest, against the laws (Callagher,2018). ensure all members of the LGBT+ that criminalised homosexuality at Therefore, with such an immense Community are included in the the time (Webb, 2016). embrace of Pride festivals and social celebrations. The Irish LGBT+ Rights Movement change in attitude to the LGBT+ History of Pride in Ireland. arose due to the oppression of Irish Community in Ireland, one must In recent years, Ireland has made LGBT+ citizens. Sadly, in 1983 the ask what is the purpose of Pride considerable progress in respect Movement was formed after the festivals in Modern Ireland now? Has

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 11 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020

Pride simply become a mere pink stress for the LGBT+ Irish Community homophobic remarks being made by washing exercise by corporations? should be greatly reduced and being teachers and staff members, with Has the mental health of the LGBT+ LGBT+ in Ireland is a lot easier than a further 55% reporting that staff Community improved since the in the past. Sadly, this appears not have made transphobic comments” unofficial Pride march in 1974? What to be the case. (Kenny, 2019).” role does Pride have regarding the Recent LGBT+ studies on the Even though record numbers mental health of the Irish LGBT+ mental well-being of the Irish LGBT+ are now attending Pride events. Community? Community. These two recent studies convey Heteronormativity and Minority LGBT Ireland is an Irish LGBT+ that LGBT+ youth in Ireland are still Stress. organisation that supports LGBT+ suffering because of their LGBT+ Heteronormativity describes the mental health. In 2016, the identity and acute minority stress. position where is organisation commissioned a survey The Irish Trans Community considered the norm, or default on Irish LGBT+ youth mental health. Acute minority stress is equally within society. The report revealed several worrying evident from my engagement with Therefore, additional stress is placed findings. The results were compared the Irish Trans Community. From on any individual who does not to the World National Youth Mental my own clinical experience, my identify as heterosexual. Such stress Health Study. Among Irish LGBT+ Trans clients not only have to deal referred to in literature as ‘Minority youth, the report found that young with societal views that Trans is Stress’ (Meyer, 2003). Minority people were two times more likely not normal but also with the Irish Stress can be applied to a group to self-harm, three times more likely medical system, a system that such as the Irish LGBT+ community to attempt suicide and four times appears inadequate to deal with who are likely to be subject to a more likely to suffer severe/extreme the healthcare needs of the Trans arrange of conflicts. These conflicts stress, anxiety and depression than community. Waiting over three years occur due to the dominant views their heterosexual peers (Higgins in the public sector to be diagnosed and culture of society, in this case et al., 2016). In Nov 2019, BeLonG with gender incongruence, has Irish society, that do not reflect their To, an organisation that supports proved to be detrimental to the LGBT+ identity (Meyer, 2003). the mental health of young Irish mental well-being of my own clients. Furthermore, according to LGBT+ people published their report It appears also that this community (Moss,1973), interactions with entitled the “School Climate Survey”. feels excluded from the main Pride society provide the individual with The survey’s aim was to determine celebrations. In 2018, the first Trans a sense of what the world is and what it is like to be LGBT+ in Irish Pride was held in Dublin. Freddie a sense of well-being. Mental classrooms. The report found similar Trevaskis-Hoskin who attended well-being is compromised for the concerns those in the LGBT Ireland the event was quoted as saying minority group, as the minority Report three years earlier. The “the protest (Trans Pride) offered group’s experience is not on par with report highlighted that 73% of LGBT+ members of communities who societies view (heteronormativity). students feel unsafe in secondary feel ostracised by the mainstream Therefore, the minority LGBT+ schools, 77% of LGBT+ students movement a chance to air their individual may put vast amounts of have experienced verbal harassment, grievances”. Hoskin further echoed energy into hiding their identity. They 38% experienced physical the sentiments of several speakers at may desire to fit into the traditional harassment, and a further 11% have Saturday’s protest in describing the roles of male and in Irish experienced physical assault. CEO Dublin as a “marketing society. They may suppress many of BeLonG To, Monnie Griffith stated tool where members of the queer aspects of their personality. that “Growing up LGBTI+ isn’t all community who are white, middle- In doing so, they may experience rainbows post the marriage equality class and often male are allowed to severe stress and shame resulting referendum. Our findings indicate the assimilate into society”. He further in any number of mental health intense , harassment, stated that “We see companies like conditions e.g. depression. isolation, and stigma that LGBTI+ Google and YouTube marching at the Furthermore, Dublin Pride 2018 students experience in Ireland. front of the march, which is meant to had over 60,000 attend the event Worse still, the research reveals that be a protest march, a march for what (Callagher,2018), one may argue some staff members turn a blind eye we disagree within society on how now with this immense support that to, and sometimes even contribute, we’re treated” (Pollak, 2018). it must be easier to be LGBT+ in anti LGBTI+ remarks.” She further Philippa Ryder, an activist for the Ireland. Therefore, it can be argued states that “48% of LGBT+ students Trans Community both in Ireland and further that the level of minority reported that they have heard abroad noted that:

12 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP

Pride celebrations can be an belonging, greater inner strength in important part of the year for any ssues like bullying of accepting herself and in turn, reduced member of the LGBTQ+ community ILGBT+ youth could be the minority stress of being Trans. but are usually mostly celebrated addressed by Pride, and My Personal Experience. by the gay, and community, ensuring corporates are not In 2019, I too had an equally healing and to a less visible extent, the just ticking a “pink box” process associated with Pride. In my . Drag queens youth, when desperately trying to fit and kings adorn the many floats the event. into my local GAA club. The GAA was that make up the huge parade and one of the pillars of the community to some in the Trans community We feel that it (commercialism in which I lived, I suffered immense they can be a distraction, making of Pride) is taking the attention stress trying to fit in. I knew I was the Trans person feel as if their away from the spirit of Pride and different from the other boys. I felt identities are devalued, simply a the issues that need attention. like an outsider. In 2019, during Pride performance in some people’s It’s amazing that society has month when returning from visiting eyes. changed, but what we want to parents, I passed at that same GAA do is celebrate the people who club. Flying high over the GAA club Yet also to be able to share the have brought that change about were the club colours, the Dublin wonderful experience of walking down (Glesson,2019). colours, and the Rainbow Flag. Seeing the street with thousands of others, that flag, I finally felt I belonged with sharing in our common joy at being In the Therapy Room. In a counterargument to the earlier that GAA club. Seeing the rainbow true to ourselves, in our identity flag, like my client, I gained greater and in showing who we love is so statements in relation to modern Pride celebrations, I will now provide inner strength. That flag in that important too and is sometimes the context symbolised that being LGBT+ only time that a Trans person can examples of Pride in supporting the mental health of today’s LGBT+ was now accepted within GAA culture. venture out in public in safety. For the The personal minority stress I felt as more experienced Trans person who community. Firstly, I will give an example of a recent client, a Trans a young boy due to being different, may have transitioned Pride gives an was now gone. opportunity to help the confidence of woman. In 2018, she attended her Pride in rural Ireland. other members of the community. Yet first Pride in Dublin. She recalled the joy of being a recent participant in Kathy Burke, co-founder of Mayo for many in the Trans community, the Dublin Pride. Pride notes the benefits of Pride in current structure of Pride does not Recalling past parades, viewed rural Ireland. She explains: provide enough of a voice and this on tv she observed the colourful I see Pride as an opportunity to has resulted in Trans Prides being display and many examples of send a message to those in the established over the past few years, people being proud of who they community that there are supports here in Ireland and elsewhere. More were. She remembers feeling alone there, especially those noticeably Trans voices are needed, more loudly and ashamed of who she is. She young and old who are living in and more frequently, to restore the remembers looking at the colourful small communities and are fearful balance between the L, and the G in floats passing her by. She felt she of . Secondly, it is an our community” (P. Ryder, personal would never be a part of it. She opportunity for everyone to be communication, 23 March 2019) longed to be part of the celebrations. themselves for the day or weekend Modern pride celebrations and the Being part of Pride was her goal. to meet up with friends to dress exclusion of other groups. In 2018, as she waved her Trans how they want, which is especially Indeed ,the Irish Trans Community flag with her friends on a Pride float, important for the Trans community are not the only community that she recalled with great emotion and to know they are safe. Finally, feels excluded from the main how immensely proud of how far it is sending a message to the Pride celebrations for in 2019, an she had come. Being part of Dublin wider community that there are ‘Alternative Pride’ event was held Pride 2018, gave her great strength. significant problems the LGBT+ in Dublin as a protest against the She came out to all her friends and community regularly face because growing commercialism of Pride as family within the year. In 2021, she is of , victimisation, well as the participation of uniformed planning to be part of the organising and a lack of acceptance and Garda. The organisers, Queer Action committee of the first Pride in her understanding. (K. Burke, personal Ireland levelled criticism of big native county Kilkenny. It seems communication, 13th March 2019) businesses involvement and accused that being part of a Pride event Kathy is immensely proud of Mayo them of exploiting the popularity of and reaching her goal a sense of Pride; however, she is mindful of

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 13 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 the growing corporate involvement reduce the minority stress of Irish in Pride. She states, “We do need LGBT+ citizens, and in doing so to be careful though not to lose the contribute to the mental health and Dermot McCarthy message in commercialisation.” (K. well-being of the LGBT+ community. Burke, personal communication, 13th In 1974, Pride brought a small LGBT+ Dermot is a psychotherapist and March 2019) group together to fight for their rights. an accredited member of the Irish Conclusion and Recommendations. Pride is a celebration of being Association for Counselling and In conclusion, there is certainly a diverse. Pride gave those who feel Psychotherapy. He has previously need for Pride to continue in Ireland. that they were on the outside a worked as an accountant with over Being LGBT+ in modern Ireland is still chance to celebrate who they are. 20 years’ experience in the Corporate not easy. Many of our LGBT+ Youth Both myself and my client felt we Environment. He has over 8 years’ suffer because of their identity. were on the outside of Irish society, profession experience in relation to Many feel unsafe in schools and but Pride gave us a chance to heal therapy. In 2018, he established his feel isolated from their peers. Both our inherited minority stress. Pride own therapy practice Inner Voice. In the LGBT Ireland and BeLonG To in Ireland, with improvements in 2019, he formed Under The Rainbow, report convey that there is still high direction, can give future LGBT+ a therapy centre in 5 Capel Street levels of anxiety and depression generations this chance, to be with two others, and is the current experienced within the Irish LGBT+ themselves among the rainbow CFO of Under The Rainbow, as well Community. Waiting lists to access flags, knowing that Pride is not just as a practicing psychotherapist there. Hormone Replacement Therapy a corporate “Pink Washing” exercise He can be contacted further via (HRT) have decreased from 3.5 but an event whose core values are email at dermot@undertherainbow. yrs in 2017 to 17 months in 2020, however, healthcare provided for the to support their LGBT+ well-being and ie , Tel; 01 5472161, and mobile Trans Community still needs to be mental health. 0894093192. improved (Halpin, 2020). Furthermore, the role of Pride needs REFERENCES to be reviewed. In 1974, the first Buch, R. (2016). The Murder That Created the Understanding Diverse Gender Identities Dublin Pride Parade. GCN. Retrieved 30 August Expressions. Retrieved 30 August 2019 from Irish Pride march was inaugurated in 2019, from https://gcn.ie/murder-created-dublin- Training.Pinktherapy.org protest to the laws that criminalised pride/ Linehan, H. (2017). Is having a gay Taoiseach homosexuality. In 1984, the first Callagher, C. (2018). Record numbers attend a big deal for Ireland? Irish Times. Retrieved 30 Dublin Pride Parade. Irish Times. Retrieved 30 November 2019 from https://www.irishtimes. official Pride march was inaugurated August 2019 from https://www.irishtimes.com/ com/news/politics/is-having-a-gay-taoiseach-a- from the murder of Declan Flynn. Due news/ireland/irish-news/record-numbers-attend- big-deal-for-ireland-1.3105955 to these milestones, the Irish LGBT+ dublin-pride-parade-1.3549866 Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress Glesson, C. (2019). Hundreds attend “alternative and mental health in lesbian, gay and bisexual Community achieved greater equality Pride” on Dublin’s Rosie Hackett bridge. populations: Conceptual issues and research since, yet there is still much work to IrishTimes.ie. Retrieved 28 December 2019 from evidence. Psychol Bull, 129(5), 674-697 https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/ Pollack, S. (2018). Crowds gather for Dublin’s first be done e.g. eliminating bullying of hundreds-attend-alternative-pride-on-dublin-s- trans pride protest. The Irish Times. Retrieved 28 rosie-hackett-bridge-1.3941866 LGBT+ youth in Schools. Many still December 2019 from https://www.irishtimes. suffer from minority stress due to Halpin, H. (2018). Here’s a short history of com/news/social-affairs/crowds-gather-for-dublin- the battle for LGBT rights in Ireland. Journal.ie. s-first-trans-pride-protest-1.3579656 Retrieved 16 August 2019 from https://www. their LGBT+ identity. Therefore, the Shape, A. (2019). Seizing the Moment: How thejournal.ie/hostory--rights-ireland-4078424- the Stonewall Riots Turned Shortcomings into spirit of Pride should not be lost. Pride Jun2018/ could take more of an active role in Success in the LGBTMovement. Retrieved Halpin, N. (2020). “We are sending our trans 30 August 2019 from http://www.academia. the support of LGBT+ mental health. community abroad”: This Is Me Campaign edu/26101800/Seizing_the_Moment_How_the_ Pride may act as a bridge between founder Noah Halpin on transgender healthcare Stonewall_Riots_Turned_Shortcomings_into_ in Ireland. Succss_in_the LGBT_Movement organisations that work supporting Retrieved 30 October 2020 from https://gcn.ie/ Wikipedia contributors. (2019, July 2). Irish LGBT+ mental health and corporate transgender-healthcare-human-right/ Rebellion. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia. organisations. Issues like bullying Higgins, A., Doyle, L., Downes, C. Murphy, Retrieved November 30, 2019 from https:// R., Sharek, D. DeVries, J., Begley, T., en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Rebellion of LGBT+ youth could be addressed McCan, E., Sheerin, F. & Smyth, S. (2016). Webb, L. (2016). Here’s a little history on Dublin’s by Pride, and ensuring corporates The LGBTIreland report: National study of the Pride Parade. Dublin town.ie. Retrieved 28 mental health and well-being of lesbian, gay, December 2019 from https://www.dublintown.ie/ are not just ticking a “pink box” bisexual, transgender and people in heres-little-history-dublins-pride-parade/ Ireland: GLEN and BeLonG To but implementing substantial Young, S. (2019). What does Non-Binary Mean? procedures and polices supporting Kenny, O. (2019). An alarming number of Irish Definition after Sam Smith Comes out as LGBT+ students feel unsafe in school. GCN. genderqueer. Independent.co.uk. Retrieved 30 their workforce and the wider LGBT+ Retrieved 30 November from https://gcn.ie/irish- November 2019 from http://independent.co.uk/ Community. lgbt-students-unsafe-school/ lifestlyle/non-binary-meaning-gender-definiation- With such actions, Pride can Lev, A. L. (2006). Transgender Emergence: genderqueer-sam-smith-a8829261.html

14 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP

Academic Article ‘That safety of naming’: exploring internalised homonegativity in LGBTQ+ therapists and its impact on therapeutic work By Neil O’Connor negative societal attitudes being directed towards the self, leading to inner conflict (Williamson, 2000). Relevant contemporary research was almost exclusively concerned with the experiences of the client as opposed to the therapist, and recommendations for practice consisted of generic advice that was not tailored to IH as a presenting issue. A disproportionately small amount of research explored the subjective experiences of therapist IH, the potential repercussions for therapeutic work, and any measures specifically designed to redress IH. The present research interviewed five LGBTQ+ Abstract: aggot’ was the worst identifying therapists with at least The lesbian, gay, bisexual, three years of experience using transgender, ‘queer’/‘questioning’ ‘Fname you were going a semi-structured format. Data and ‘+’ (LGBTQ+) community is to be labelled with were analysed using Interpretative subject to discrimination, prejudice Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and violence, often resulting in Vincent, an LGBTQ+ therapist and uncovered accounts of lived internalised homonegativity (IH). experiences of IH, revealed Historical research into IH, described the oppressive and traumatic as negative societal attitudes esbian, gay, bisexual, effect of IH, and suggested being directed inward in LGBTQ+ Ltransgender, addressing IH through education people and the resultant impact on ‘queer’/‘questioning’ and ‘+’ and therapist self-examination. psychotherapy was largely concerned (LGBTQ+) people constitute a This research contributed to the with the experiences of the client. worldwide community subject understanding of IH by highlighting This research aimed to increase the to discrimination, stereotyping, specific social contexts and understanding of IH, to investigate prejudice and violence (Antebi- personal experiences of IH, by the impact of IH in LGBTQ+ Gruszka & Schrimshaw, 2018). demonstrating the extensive and therapists on therapeutic work, and The introjection of these lifelong felt impact of IH, and by to establish recommendations for messages results in internalised uncovering novel perspectives on addressing IH in LGBTQ+ therapists. homonegativity (IH), described as the impact of IH on therapeutic

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 15 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 work. This research reiterated the was found that bisexual people need for the use of appropriate he first encounters report higher levels of IH, that LGBTQ+ related terminology, the Tbetween psychotherapy binegativity (where individuated) need for cultural competency and the LGBTQ+ was positively correlated with education for therapists, and the community were psychological distress, and central role played by therapist destructive, and the was negatively correlated with self-assessment and engagement prevailing theories of the life satisfaction, congruence with personal processes. time dictated the value of of identity, and social network the person to the detriment support specifically related to Internalised homonegativity and of the LGBTQ+ client sexuality (Antebi-Gruszka & therapeutic work Schrimshaw, 2018). IH has been (Dreyer, 2007) categorised as a minority stressor The evolution of related which places demands on those terminology which is encountered in in disadvantageous social The term ‘’ first heterosexual and LGBTQ+ arenas positions borne of inhospitable appeared in 1971 defined as (Israel et al., 2018). The Gay and environments and has been linked the dread of, and self-loathing Lesbian Issues and Psychology to poor outcomes in both romantic amongst, homosexuals (Desmond, reviewed ‘queer hate’, asserting relationships and non-romantic 2016). This has been widely that the continued use of intimate relationships for LGBTQ+ contested since, the most outdated terminology exacerbates people (Frost & Meyer, 2009). prevalent argument being that the experiences of the LGBTQ+ Withholding and disclosing of the phenomenon is not a classic community (Fox, 2009). the therapist’s LGBTQ+ nature phobia (Davies & Neal, 1996) but have both been proven to prejudice giving rise to abuse, Emergent dynamics in therapy negatively impact therapeutic work violence, and discrimination IH impacts on mental and social (Silverman, 2001). Unintentional (Dreyer, 2007). Others argued that health in myriad ways (Douglas- disclosure was recognised as the word unhelpfully emphasises Scott, Pringle & Lumsdaine, 2004, a stressor (Kessler & Waehler, affective fear, and inaccurately Sherry, 2007). This impact will 2005), while research by Riggle, situates prejudice within the present in the therapeutic space Rostosky, Black and Rosenkrantz individual rather than societal when working with LGBTQ+ clients (2017) highlighted the LGBTQ+ structures (Williamson, 2000). (Davies & Ackroyd, 2002). The therapist’s dilemma: ‘coming Definitions broadened to include client is not always aware of the out of the closet’ (exhibiting disrespect, disgust, hatred and influence (Douglas-Scott et al., high levels of transparency animosity towards LGBTQ+ 2004), but is lured nonetheless regarding sexuality) was people (Desmond, 2016). The into lifelong patterns of chronic positively correlated with high term ‘homonegativism’ emerged self-regulatory coping (Bowers, levels of differential treatment in the 1980s to reframe the Plummer & Minichiello, 2005). In and experience of bigotry, while construct with a keener focus on the UK Gay Men’s Health Network remaining ‘in the closet’ was the value systems and beliefs of report on health inequalities negatively correlated with a prejudiced individuals (Williamson, among LGBTQ+ people (Douglas- satisfactory level of psychosocial 2000). ‘Heteronormativity’ and Scott et al., 2004), IH was linked wellness. As a parallel, the ‘’, also from this to suicidality, self-harm, poor authors identified that high levels period, refer to societal and social support, eating disorders, of LGBTQ+ self-congruence and political environments which alcohol and substance abuse, authentic living were positively presuppose and prefer the chronic stress and denial of correlated with high levels of consistent pairing of women sexuality. Further correlates psychosocial wellness while being and men and ignore or actively identified included depression, negatively correlated with self- suppress any who do not conform anxiety, lower identity affirmation reported distress. (Dreyer, 2007). Definitions and well-being, higher risk IH was also associated with were further diversified by the sexual behaviour and greater negative self-talk about the self individuation of ‘binegativity’: the difficulty with intimate relating and about other sexual minorities, sum of which aim to (Antebi-Gruszka & Schrimshaw, ruminating, self-criticism, lower invalidate the bisexual experience 2018). In this same study, it effectiveness of coping, and

16 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP harmful religion-based attempts them. As a corollary, Moore at coping (Puckett, Mereish, therapist’s and Jenkins (2012) highlighted Levitt, Horne & Hayes-Skelton, A unwillingness to that IH is experienced more 2018). It has been argued disclose their sexuality frequently and more intensely by that societal heterosexism has or gender is more LGBTQ+ therapists working with damaging effects on LGBTQ+ acutely experienced heterosexual clients than with intimate relationships, demanding when an LGBTQ+ their LGBTQ+ fellows. never ending vigilance from the therapist reveals (or Bowers, Plummer, and LGBTQ+ individual to safeguard considers revealing) Minichiello asserted that their interpersonal, physical and their orientation to a homonegativity is a form psychological safety, with no heterosexual client of trauma and that lack of guarantee of success; moreover, acknowledgement of this leads to lack of universal legal recognition (Thomas, 2008) continual retraumatisation (2005). of LGBTQ+ relationships can lead They proposed that therapeutic to perception of less meaning redress should take the form of in life than for heterosexuals with increasing assertiveness, post-trauma recovery in an active (Szymanski & Hilton, 2013). communication, skills for facing way, and that it is not sufficient homonegative adversity, and self- for therapists to simply tolerate Implications for therapeutic acceptance (Rostosky & Riggle, their clients’ differing essence work and recommendations for 2002). Brown (2002) offered (Bowers et al., 2005). Never practice a review of literature dealing assuming that couples who have The first encounters between with suicidality and self-harm been together and openly LGBTQ+ psychotherapy and the LGBTQ+ in LGBTQ+ youth, advising that for a long time are immune to community were destructive, and mental health professionals IH was highlighted by Spencer the prevailing theories of the should analyse their feelings and Brown (2007). IH can be time dictated the value of the towards the LGBTQ+ community, concurrently explored alongside person to the detriment of the and recommended the inclusion shame and vicarious shame, but, LGBTQ+ client (Dreyer, 2007). of personal attitudes, fears as this exploration can induce The role of psychotherapy in and prejudices in this self- feelings of shame, therapeutic the modern context, therefore, examination. sensitivity is paramount (Greene requires that social norms should Jeffery and Tweed (2015) & Britton, 2016). The recognition be approached with caution, researched LGBTQ+ therapists and acceptance of shame by never seen as absolutes, and not who concealed their sexual the therapist can facilitate assumed to apply to every person identity within the therapeutic awareness and processing by the in the same way (Dreyer, 2007). environment. Feelings of guilt, client (Greene & Britton, 2016). Diversity within the LGBTQ+ dishonesty and shame and The therapeutic intervention of community was highlighted, the sense of being a traitor decentering, wherein thoughts reiterating that LGBTQ+ people were reported, even when the and feelings are actively are not homogenous, but exist therapist based their decision viewed as events rather than with differing experiences and on the benefit to the client immutable truths about the needs (Gottschalk & Newton, and the therapeutic dynamic. self, was explored by Puckett 2009). It has been argued that A therapist’s unwillingness to et al., (2018). The researchers overcoming IH is essential for the disclose their sexuality or gender found that decentering can be development of a healthy LGBTQ+ is more acutely experienced when deployed in therapy to help self-concept, but that it may be an LGBTQ+ therapist reveals clients to place emotional impossible to do so entirely (Frost (or considers revealing) their distance between themselves & Meyer, 2009). Any attempt orientation to a heterosexual and adverse cognitions, with a will invariably include working client (Thomas, 2008). Fears resulting decrease in automatic to jettison self-devaluation and and concerns included that their maladaptive thinking and schema to develop strategies for coping disclosure would result in a loss formation, and an increased with stigma, so therapists must of respect for the therapist by detachment from internalised assess their LGBTQ+ clients for the client, or a negative change negative messages like IH IH and (where appropriate) work in the client’s feelings towards (Puckett et al., 2018).

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 17 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020

Much of the proffered uncovered the participants’ recommendations for practice he narratives of the related experiences of feeling consisted of generic instruction Tparticipants in this unsafe in social situations, - for example, the importance present research were withholding public affection of a supportive therapeutic replete with accounts to avoid being victimised, and relationship (Bowers et al., of homonegative slurs, homonegative assault. Susan 2005), something which is not physical assault and used the language of emotion and unique to the needs of LGBTQ+ differential treatment, connection when she sought ‘to people presenting with IH. IH is recalling bring [IH] down to the innate need widely acknowledged as a focal for belonging, safety and love’, point of the literature concerned (Dreyer, 2007) contrasted with ‘other people’s with, and published by, LGBTQ+ prejudices and fears’. Susan’s people, while being significantly was fully anonymised, including juxtaposition of intense emotions underrepresented in the research the use of pseudonyms and the (‘love’ and ‘fear’) demonstrated and education of counselling and redaction of identifying features, the polarity of her sense of the psychotherapy (Moore & Jenkins, and the participants were phenomenon. 2012). Lea, Jones and Huws afforded the right to withdraw Williamson (2000) and (2010) pointed to the paucity of from participation (Smith et al., Cornish (2012) were recalled LGBTQ+ related guidance and 2012). The participants were by this present research when course content in education, while also afforded the opportunity the participants reported a dissertation by Meades (2019) to request amendments to, or IH encountered in families, highlighted the need for LGBTQ+ redaction of, any portion of their communities, schools, universities cultural competence training data after their interviews (Smith and work environments: Peter programmes for therapists. et al., 2012). Engagement with spoke about how he internalised academic supervision was central that ‘ are and gays are that, Methodology to this research: in order to faggots and dykes… all of this IPA was chosen for this research combat bias, an awareness of a language in schools and families’. because of its suitability for personal connection to the topic Williamson posited that IH belies the exploration of interpersonal was consciously maintained. the beliefs and value systems of and subjective phenomena prejudiced individuals (2000): this like IH. This involved creative Results research found that IH is more examination of the participants’ This present research noted keenly felt with clients who hold lived experiences: in IPA, meaning gaps in the research with overly religious and dogmatic is interpreted in an active way. regard to LGBTQ+ specific values or a rigid heteronormative IPA is considered a double recommendations for practice, worldview. hermeneutic as the researcher is avenues for addressing IH in The detrimental effect of IH trying to make sense of the way LGBTQ+ therapists, and the on mental and psychosocial in which the participant makes exploration of experiences of health was highlighted sense of what has happened to IH in LGBTQ+ therapists. Three throughout this research, them (Smith & Osborn, 2003). IPA core themes emerged from with each of the participants research is especially interested the analysis: ‘a deeply felt discussing the harmful impact in how the everyday ebb and flow understanding’, ‘influence of IH on and naming related morbidities of life assumes significance for therapeutic work’ and ‘what needs and symptomologies. This the individual (Smith et al., 2012). to be done’. finding agreed with the totality The sample comprised five The narratives of the of historical research into LGBTQ+ therapists who had participants in this present LGBTQ+ lives (Antebi-Gruszka been working for at least three research were replete with & Schrimshaw, 2018, Sherry, years, with gatekeepers and accounts of homonegative slurs, 2007, Puckett et al., 2018). This snowball sampling used in physical assault and differential includes health inequalities such recruitment. Semi-structured treatment, recalling Dreyer (2007) as suicidality (Douglas-Scott et interviews were carried out which and Desmond (2016). Szymanski al., 2004), poor romantic and non- allowed new ideas and topics and Hilton (2013) discussed romantic relationship outcomes to emerge. The data gathered LGBTQ+ safety, and this research (Frost & Meyer, 2009), and poor

18 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP quality of life, reflected in the single male I ever met. Every participants’ accounts of sadness, ntentional and single male I ever met’, his use of despair and trauma (Antebi- Iunintentional repetition emphasising his sense Gruszka & Schrimshaw, 2018). disclosures were of the impact. Marcus described how he was ‘a discussed in this This research agreed with the confident child… I used to break research, in agreement finding that IH leads to negative my own heart with why I’m not with the literature self-talk and self-criticism sharing this’. He was held back by (Puckett et al., 2018). The something. stronger, something (Kessler & Waehler, 2005) participants described current ‘heartbreaking’ for which he and historical incidents of harsh took full responsibility: he would internal dialogue with resultant ‘break [his] own heart’. Vincent wish by saying, ‘It’s almost professional shame, loss of faith reflected on visibility management as if I’m not good enough for in self, and anticipating blocks to and his own sadness at years of the LGBTQ+ community’. This therapeutic work arising out of the ‘filtering’ (the active process of suggested the potential existence clients’ discovery of their LGBTQ+ avoiding revealing his LGBTQ+ of ‘heteronegative’ sentiments nature. nature). Rita also recalled filtering amongst LGBTQ+ people. Intentional and unintentional and using discreet pronouns to This research revealed several disclosures were discussed hide her partner’s gender. Peter accounts of experiencing in this research, in agreement concluded by succinctly stating, heteronormativity (Dreyer, with the literature (Kessler & ‘We’ve internalised [that] there’s 2007), including incidents from Waehler, 2005): the participants something wrong with these childhood, adolescence and adult recounted both scenarios people. And then we turn out to be working life. The conscious use of from their histories, identifying one of these people’. up-to-date terminology in carrying somatic and psychological Israel et al. (2018) noted out this research was informed by effects including shame, fear the presence of binegativity in Fox’s assertion (2009) that the and anger. The participants also LGBTQ+ arenas. This echoed two use of inaccurate historical terms described their more recent female participants’ experiences aggravates the experiences of constructive attitudes to client of negative reactions from within LGBTQ+ people. inquisitiveness and self-disclosure, the LGBTQ+ community, and their The current research identified echoing Riggle et al. (2017). sexual histories with men marring the incidence of IH in therapeutic IH impacts more profoundly their ‘gold standard’ status as work, such as client’s use of on therapists who disclose (or ‘true homosexual[s]’. Exploring slur words, and the mechanisms consider disclosing) their LGBTQ+ work with clients who seemingly employed by the participants and nature to a heterosexual client lack an internal struggle regarding their clients to cope, such as (Thomas, 2008) while Moore their sexuality, Rita stated, ‘When Peter’s unconscious dismissal of and Jenkins (2012) asserted I’m sitting with somebody who all male clients (Douglas-Scott et that IH arises more frequently has been the ‘gold standard’… it al., 2004, Bowers et al., 2005, and intensely in all aspects of brings up with me the fact that Davies & Ackroyd, 2002). Susan work with heterosexual clients. that wasn’t my experience.’ Upon explored her somatic reaction The participants in this research probing the idea of the ‘gold to an experience with a client named this increased incidence standard’, Rita responded: who reminded her of one of her of IH in their work. Thomas’ work It doesn’t bother me [pause]. parents: ‘There was an increase uncovered fears that disclosure Maybe it does… it feels good, this in heart rate… I’ve noticed that I would result in a negative change idea that you can only be a true held my breath… that being taken in the client’s feelings towards the homosexual person if you have away, that safety of naming, of therapist, echoed in this present never been with somebody of the being, of voicing, of proclaiming.’ research. Both withholding and opposite sex… it’s my experience As her response was probed, disclosing are known to have a that I’m not a good lesbian Susan alluded to trauma recovery negative impact on therapeutic because I was married to a man. work: ‘You remind yourself that work (Silverman, 2001) and Rita yearned to be a ‘good you are safe’. Recounting a similar this research agreed, with both lesbian’ and ‘a true homosexual’, experience, Peter acknowledged approaches being described qualifying the source of this that he was challenged by ‘every alongside the resultant detrimental

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 19 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 impact. Jeffery and Tweed (2015) is this part of me, and I know it. found that guilt and shame and the LGBTQ+ It’s about really embracing that resulted from the withholding of IH experience has there has been damage done. the therapist’s sexuality, reflected been significantly What we need, it’s inside already.’ here by participants recalling underrepresented in the Exploring this further, Peter posed clients going unchallenged when education of counselling a rhetorical question: ‘What could using homonegative slurs. The and psychotherapy a college do that would help us reframing of homonegative to work through our own internal adversity and IH experiences (Moore & Jenkins, 2012) defense?’ into positives and strengths by four of the participants recalled Limitations decentering (Puckett et al., 2018). discussed their experiences as All of the participants were The literature regarding the traumatic or described traumatic Caucasian and , which addressing of IH in therapeutic soma. Narratives of trauma may have resulted in overlooking work was noted to proffer only and resultant defenses within the experiences of therapists generic recommendations, and this research also hinted at the from different ethnocultural the participants in this research possibility of defensive reactions backgrounds and differing discussed the lack of recognition in the form of heteronegativity gender identities, as well as of the LGBTQ+ community and homonormativity. Susan’s the opportunity to examine the in education and practice. recollection of experiencing a concurrent effects of those types Gottschalk and Newton (2009) negative side of the LGBTQ+ of oppression and discrimination. highlighted the importance of community was similar to Rita’s Four out of five of the participants recognising the distinctions experience of not being a ‘good in this research were Irish, and between the LGBTQ+ community lesbian’; Susan recalled ‘being the South African participant and the heteronormative world, told how to be, how to dress… the trained and worked in Ireland, and this was reflected in the best way to look lesbian enough, or meaning that the Irish context of current research when the gay enough’. counselling and psychotherapy participants expressed their IH and the LGBTQ+ experience may be overrepresented. It cannot ‘heartbreaking’ experiences of has been significantly be certain that the results are heteronormativity or having their underrepresented in the applicable to the international ‘nuanced’ lifestyles eroded or education of counselling and LGBTQ+ community, but the diminished. Reporting lesser psychotherapy (Moore & Jenkins, subjective nature of both IH degrees of IH than in younger life 2012). This research agreed, and IPA analysis may go some was a common thread amongst with four participants describing way in mitigating this limitation. the narratives in this research, their disappointment with their The limitations identified in this but the participants uncovered experiences in the educational research suggested that avenues contemporary experiences and arena. Meades (2019) pointed to for further research could include hitherto unconscious aspects of the need for cultural competence the experiences of therapists from their IH during their interviews, training for therapists working ethnocultural and educational recalling Frost & Meyer (2009). with LGBTQ+ clients, and the four backgrounds outside of the Rostosky and Riggle (2002) participants in this research who Irish context, as well as those proposed that an attempt to focused on education unanimously of other than overcome IH includes acceptance highlighted the need for this type cisgender. Furthermore, an inquiry of self and letting go of previously of training. into the applicability of the results held negative perceptions. The response offered by one of this research in the context Avoiding the assumption that participant underscored the of the international LGBTQ+ being openly LGBTQ+ makes one therapist’s personal accountability community could uncover valuable immune to IH (Spencer & Brown, and the individual process of insights. Finally, the suggestion 2007) was also echoed herein. those in counselling education, of a potential heteronegative Bowers et al. (2005) argued similar to Brown (2002). Peter’s and homonormative culture in that IH is a form of trauma, and singular response outlined a the LGBTQ+ community warrants this was echoed in the current different approach: ‘The first thing further exploration. research when the participants is to get an awareness… there

20 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP

Clinical significance REFERENCES This research contributed to Antebi-Gruszka, N., & Schrimshaw, E. W. (2018). clients and therapists in lesbian, gay, bisexual, the current knowledge of IH by Negative Attitudes Toward Same-Sex Behavior transgender communities. Professional identifying a range of specific Inventory: An internalized homonegativity Psychology, Research and Practice, 36(1), 66–72. measure for research with bisexual, gay, and Lea, J., Jones, R., & Huws, J. C. (2010). Gay societal arenas and personal other non–gay-identified men who have sex with Psychologists and Gay Clients: Exploring dimensions where IH and men. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender therapist disclosure of sexuality in the Diversity, 5(2), 156–168. therapeutic closet. Psychology of Sexualities causative homonegativity is found. Bowers, R., Plummer, D., & Minichiello, V. (2005). Review, 1(1), 59– 73. The findings of this research Homophobia in counselling practice. International Meades, P. C. (2019). An Exploration of Six contributed to the understanding Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 27(3), Lesbian and Gay People’s Experiences of 471–489. of IH by emphasising the pervasive Organised Religion (Christianity, Islam, and Bowers, R., Plummer, D., & Minichiello, V. (2005). Judaism), and their Implications for Psychotherapy: and lifelong effect of IH, the merit Homophobia and the everyday mechanisms An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). of embracing diverse descriptors of prejudice: Findings from a qualitative study. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Middlesex Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Health, 1(1), University, London. in accounts of homonegativity and 31-51. Moore, J., & Jenkins, P. (2012). ‘Coming out’ in IH, and the value of challenging Brown, R. (2002). Self harm and suicide therapy? Perceived risks and benefits of self- outdated terms with conscious risk for same-sex attracted young people: a disclosure of sexual orientation by gay and family perspective. Australian e-Journal for the lesbian therapists to straight clients. Counselling use of up-to-date LGBTQ+- Advancement of Mental Health 1(1), 3-11. & Psychotherapy Research, 12(4), 308–315. related language. This research Davies, D. & Ackroyd, M. (2002). Sexual Puckett, J. A., Mereish, E. H., Levitt, H. M., contributed to the understanding Orientation and Psychological Contact. In Wyatt Horne, S. G., & Hayes-Skelton, S. A. (2018). G. & Sanders P. (Eds.), Rogers’ Therapeutic Internalized heterosexism and psychological of the impact of IH on therapeutic Conditions: Evolution, Theory and Practice (pp. distress: The moderating effects of decentering. work by revealing novel accounts 221-233). Gloucester, UK: PCCS Books. Stigma and Health, 3(1), 9–15. and perspectives, building upon Davies, D., & Neal, C. (Eds.). (1996). Pink Riggle, E. D. B., Rostosky, S. S., Black, W. therapy: a guide for counsellors and therapists W., & Rosenkrantz, D. E. (2017). Outness, the existing literature. This working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. concealment, and authenticity: Associations research underlined the need for Buckingham, UK: Open University Press. with LGB individuals’ psychological distress and cultural competency education Desmond, B. (2016). Homophobia endures in our well-being. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and time of changing attitudes: a ‘field’ perspective. Gender Diversity, 4(1), 54–62. for therapists, and the central British Gestalt Journal, 25(2), 42-52. Rostosky, S. S., & Riggle, E. D. B. (2002). role played by therapist self- Douglas-Scott, S., Pringle, A. & Lumsdaine, C. “Out” at work: The relation of actor and partner examination and engagement with (2004). Sexual Exclusion – Homophobia and workplace policy and internalized homophobia health inequalities: a review. London, UK: UK Gay to disclosure status. Journal of Counseling personal processes. Men’s Health Network. Psychology, 49(4), 411–419. Dreyer, Y. (2007). Hegemony and the Sherry, A. (2007). Internalized homophobia internalisation of homophobia caused by and adult attachment: Implications for clinical heteronormativity. HTS Teologiese Studies / practice. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Neil O’Connor Theological Studies, 63(1), 1-18. Practice, Training, 44(2), 219–225. Fox, C. (2009). Queer Hate [Editorial]. Gay & Silverman, S. (2001). Inevitable Disclosure: Countertransference Dilemmas and the Pregnant Lesbian Issues and Psychology Review, 5 (3), Lesbian Therapist. Journal of Gay & Lesbian 131. Neil O’Connor holds a BSc Psychotherapy, 4(3-4), 45-61. Frost, D. M., & Meyer, I. H. (2009). Internalized Smith, J. A., Flowers, P., & Larkin, M. (2012). (Hons) in Children’s and General homophobia and relationship quality among Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Nursing from Trinity College Dublin , gay men, and bisexuals. Journal of Theory, Method and Research. London: Sage Counseling Psychology, 56(1), 97–109. and a BA (Hons) in Counselling Publications Limited. Gottschalk, L. & Newton, J. (2009). Rural Smith, J. A., & Osborn, M. (2003). Interpretative and Psychotherapy from Dublin homophobia: Not reall gay. Gay & Lesbian Issues phenomenological analysis. In J. A. Smith (Ed.), Business School. Neil is currently a and Psychology Review, 5(3), 153-159. Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to pre-accredited member of the IACP Greene, D. C., & Britton, P. J. (2015). Predicting research methods (p. 51–80). Sage Publications, and works within a humanistic and relationship commitment in gay men: Inc. Contributions of vicarious shame and internalized Spencer, B., & Brown, J. (2007). Fusion or integrative framework in a busy homophobia to the investment model. Psychology internalized homophobia? A pilot study of of Men & Masculinity, 16(1), 78–87. community centre in North West Bowen’s differentiation of self hypothesis with Dublin. Neil works with an array of Israel, T., Choi, A. Y., Goodman, J. A., Matsuno, lesbian couples. Family Process, 46(2), 257–268. E., Lin, Y.-J., Kary, K. G., & Merrill, C. R. S. issues including, but not limited Szymanski, D. M., & Hilton, A. N. (2013). Fear (2018). Reducing internalized binegativity: of intimacy as a mediator of the internalized to, anxiety, grief and loss, sexual Development and efficacy of an online heterosexism-relationship quality link among intervention. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and abuse, anger, self-esteem and body men in same-sex relationships. Contemporary Gender Diversity. Family Therapy, 35(4), 760–772. image. Neil has previously worked Jeffery, M. K., & Tweed, A. E. (2015). Clinician Thomas, M. (2008). Shades of gray: lesbian as a children’s nurse in Dublin and self-disclosure or clinician self-concealment?: therapists explore the complexities of self- London as well as for a UK-based Lesbian, gay and bisexual mental health disclosure to heterosexual clients. (Unpublished practitioners’ experiences of disclosure in masters dissertation). Smith College, suicide prevention charity. therapeutic relationships. Counselling & Massachusetts. Psychotherapy Research, 15(1), 41–49. Williamson, I. R. (2000). Internalized homophobia [email protected] Kessler, L. E., & Waehler, C. A. (2005). and health issues affecting lesbians and gay Addressing multiple relationships between men. Health Education Research, 15(1), 97–107.

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 21 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020

Academic Article Psychotherapists’ Lived Experience of Psychological Blind Spots: Findings from a Hermeneutic Phenomenological Enquiry By Melanie McGovern

psychotherapists’ understandings of the phenomena of ‘Psychological blind spots’ and ‘Moments of self-awareness’ by means of an exploratory qualitative study. For the purpose of this article, I intend to highlight a portion of the main themes including a number of meta- themes of psychological blind spots. This will exclude the findings from moments of self-awareness. The aim of this study was to explore a cohort of experienced psychotherapists, and to seek a greater understanding of their lived experience of psychological blind spots. This naturalistic exploratory study took a hermeneutic phenomenological epistemological stance to generate descriptive knowledge and analytical concepts through semi-structured interviews and dialogic engagement ost people identify themselves almost exclusively with the participants, including “Mwith their consciousness and imagine that they reflections and the transcribed text are only what they know about themselves. Yet anyone via analyses (van Manen, 1990, with even a smattering of psychology can see how 2014). limited this knowledge is” Psychological blind spots (Jung, 1961/1995, p.330) “Vision waits for us, ready to give itself; we use countless techniques he ubiquity of blind spots is judgements unwittingly. to cut ourselves off from it” Tevident. At some point in our The purpose of this article (Kennelly cited in Romanyshyn, lives we all have become aware of is to disseminate my doctoral 2013, p.30). another’s opacities or reluctance research results. However, the Nietzsche, Plato, Shakespeare to look at self, whilst negating the size of the article does not lend and Freud were all aware of the possible bias of our own world view. itself to discuss all the findings. deep non-conscious processes Now in the second decade of the Therefore I will focus on the findings of the human mind which many 21st century it is our responsibility germane to this issues theme of are oblivious to (Kahn, 2002). to refocus the lens which informs ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’. We are called to bear witness our reality and guides our The research proposed a study of to those hushed whispers which

22 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP would otherwise be forgotten coping mechanism) (Carlson, (Romanyshyn cited in Brooke, n order to maintain 2013).These operate together 2015). In The Hero with a Thousand Imental homeostasis and are the primary explanations Faces, Joseph Campbell reminds and protect the conscious for blind spots in self-knowledge us of the beauty and power of mind from the effects of (Vazire, 2010). Broad, (1968) being in touch with the underworld inner conflicts, the ego stated that sometimes it is a of our mind (Kahn, 2002). For utilises miscellaneous conscious and deliberate process Jung, psychology means, first and to block awareness and other times foremost, an empirical investigation defence mechanism it is habitual. It is important to of the unknown part of the psyche (Wagas, 2015) re-think some psychoanalytical and which manifests in many ways unconscious concepts in light of (Von Franz, 1975). Romanyshyn modern neuroscience (Leuzinger- considers creating awareness of Therefore, psychological blind spots Bohleber, and Solms, 2017). non-conscious motives, ideas and may be stored knowledge we are In order to maintain mental fears not only an ethical imperative unaware of, but that influences homeostasis and protect the but a productive one (2006). our everyday behaviour and conscious mind from the effects Consciousness, no matter how conscious experience (Norman, of inner conflicts, the ego utilises extensive it may be, must always 2010). Furthermore, a blind spot miscellaneous defence mechanism remain the smaller circle within the may be defined as a prejudice, or (Wagas, 2015).Techniques were greater circle of the unconscious, subject area, that one has but is developed for distorting or rejecting an island surrounded by the often unaware of (Webster, 2010; from consciousness some features sea; and, like the sea itself, the Cambridge, 2017). It could also be of reality, to avoid the unbearable unconscious yields an endless and an area of ignorance or direction psychological pain (anxiety) from self–replenishing abundance of in which somebody’s vision is consciousness (Erdelyi, 1985).In living creatures, a wealth beyond obscured (Encarta, 2019).They are poor self-awareness, avoidance and our fathoming (Jung, 1954, p.178). the part of our mental life which defensive attributions to external Much of our mental life is not we are unaware of and may include causes are clear (Silvia, and Duval, obvious to us and therefore we impulses, ideas, wishes and 2001). Research by Twenge, remain ignorant of our motives fears that operate unwittingly and Catanese, & Baumeister, (2003) (Kahn, 2002). Motivated cognition influence our everyday behaviour has demonstrated decreased influences distort self–perception (Kahn, 2002). self-awareness among individuals that help to create blind spots in negative social situations is (Vazire and Carlson, 2011). Motivated Cognitive Barriers a defensive strategy designed Previous research asked clients People’s perceptions of their to buffer the self from the acute to rank in order, sixty factors in own personalities, while largely distress (and feelings of rejection). therapy according to their degree accurate, contain important of helpfulness (Yalom 1980). The omissions. Some of these blind Illusion of Objectivity research concluded that the single spots are likely due to a simple There can never be absolute freedom most frequently chosen item was lack of information and awareness, from prejudice, for even the most by far “discovering and accepting whereas others are due to objective and impartial investigator previously unknown or unacceptable motivated distortions in our self- is liable to become the victim of parts of myself” (Yalom 1980, perceptions. (Vazire and Carlson, some unconscious assumption p.354). Further research shows that 2011, p.104). upon entering a region where the “many aspects of ourselves are Despite one’s awareness of their darkness has never been illuminated hidden from conscious awareness” feelings, thoughts and behaviours, and where he can recognize nothing. (Vazire and Carlson, 2010, p.107). informational and motivational (Jung,1954, p.168). Hoedemakers (2010) stated the barriers often prevent one from Blind spots in people who are need for more research to identify seeing oneself accurately (Carlson, confident of their objectivity are elements that unfold outside our 2013). Two majors barriers to common in everyday life (Pronin& direct awareness. self-knowledge exist: informational Kugler, 2007). Pronin, Lin, and Ross Hillman states that an area of barriers (i.e., the quantity and (2002) found that people thought unawareness generally lies hidden quality of information people have that blind spots or cognitive biases behind one’s routine, dogmas, fixed about themselves) and motivational were more prevalent in others than beliefs and values (Drob, 1999). barriers (i.e., ego-protective and themselves. “Because our peers

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 23 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 and especially our adversaries categories emerged; ‘Blind self’ often fail to share our views, we ocussing on the and ‘Blind self – other’. The former inevitably infer that they are less Fphenomenon of emphasising psychotherapists objective than we are” (Pronin, Lin, psychological blind spots understanding of a blind spot in and Ross 2002, p.378).Research two main categories relation to self, the latter was where shows that individuals maintain emerged one experienced a psychological an illusion of objectivity (Bazerman blind spot in relation to another. and Banaji, 2005); that is, they ‘Blind self’ manifested as one incorrectly view themselves as passionate interest on this chosen evaded an emotion or other in the more objective than others (Epley topic would prove the bedrock of my context of themselves. At times et al., 2006). This asymmetry in doctoral research. Throughout the this was achieved by unconscious perception of bias arises from naive research process, it was important habituation and other times it realism (Pronin, Lin, and Ross, for me to remain transparent, was an unbeknownst reaction to 2002). This fosters the impression acknowledge my implicit a situation. ‘Blind self – other’ of an objective self in a world of assumptions (Kafle, 2011) and presented where another, be it biased others (Pronin, Linn and ensure they fed into the research in through dynamic interpersonal Ross, 2002). However, the tendency creative, useful ways (Kelly, 2019). relationship or a brief encounter, to see bias in others, while being invited this area of unawareness. blind to it ourselves, has been Hermeneutic Phenomenology (Figures 1 and 2) shown across a range of cognitive I sought out a research and motivational research (Pronin, methodology and design that Blind Self –Other Gilovich & Ross, 2004). Pronin& resonated with my chosen topic From the category ‘Blind Self – Kugler’s, (2007) study found that whilst also remaining loyal to Other’ emerged two main themes; only after being educated about my natural research disposition. ‘Polarised perspective’ and ‘Familial the importance of unconscious This engendered fidelity and opacities’. Blind spots within the processes in guiding judgment heightened the truth value of context of the family were of note. and action and the fallibility of the research (Levitt, Motusky, introspection did participants cease Wertz, Morrow, and Ponterotto, Polarised Perspectives denying their relative susceptibility 2016).Ultimately, therefore, it From the theme of ‘Polarised to the bias blind spot. was the dialogical, reflexive and perspective’ emerged three meta- richly expressive methodology of themes; ‘Seeing subjectively – blind Reflexivity hermeneutic phenomenology, with to the bigger picture’; ‘Concealed My own interest on this topic its epistemological underpinnings judgement’; ‘The enemy is within not originated mostly from my in making visible that which is without – everyone is my mirror’. psychotherapy practice, where invisible (Seth, 2017) that would several of my clients have facilitate and enable expression of Seeing subjectively – Blind to the undergone moments of heightened the essence of psychotherapists bigger picture awareness that encouraged lived experience of psychological There is no thought or perception an opening of their blind spots blind spots.It rejects the ideology that is not mediated by a complex and ultimately challenged their of suspending personal opinion unconscious perspective, but not personal perspective, including (epoche) or bracketing (Annells, even a psychologist is prepared to their worldview. Through awareness, 1996), with a move towards regard their statements, at least in I personally grew cognizant of the interpretation (Van Manen, part, as a subjectively conditioned obstructions to knowledge that had 1990), as interpretations are confession.(Romanyshyn, 2013, impeded my growth. Blind spots all we can have (Kafle, 2011). p.26) akin to implicit fear (‘stay in the Therefore it places importance The findings disclosed comfortable job’), latent self-views in the hermeneutic engagement participant’s experience of (‘not being good enough’) and with texts, either as a source or psychological blind spots as a placatory styles of interpersonally expression of the phenomenon ‘particular perspective’ or ‘polarised relating had eclipsed my awareness being studied (King, 2020). vision’. Participants described for most of my life (McGovern, in the blind spot as ‘seeing in one press). Illumination of my blind Findings and Discussion direction’ which gave ‘a slanted, spots highlighted the depths of my Focussing on the phenomenon of subjective view’. Jung stated (1954) shadow. Genuine curiosity including psychological blind spots two main just as he finds himself shaped

24 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP

see events and issues through Self Awareness the distorted prism of their world Avoidance view and often see themselves in a positive light.

Blind Concealed Judgement Blind Self Self – Other “Prejudice cripples and injures the full phenomenon of psychic life.” (Jung, 1961/1995, p.33). Eclipse of Polarised Familial Various participants noted how Automaticity Safeguard Self Awareness Perspective Opacities concealed judgement in the form of ‘preconceptions’, ‘ignorance’ Figure 1: Hierarchy of psychological blind spots themes and ‘biased opinions’ presented as blind spots that people were not aware of. Biases typically operate unconsciously, thereby leaving their •Turning a Blind Eye to the Truth influence hidden from introspection Eclipse of •Omitted Emotions Awareness •Implicit Fear (Wilson & Brekke, 1994). Personal •Latent Anger and theoretical prejudices are the most serious obstacles in the way of psychological judgment (Jung, 1954). Tunnel vision manifested for •Auto pilot mode-Automaticity the participants in the form of ‘social Automaticity •Ancestral Blind Spots prejudices’, ‘latent judgements’ and ‘narrow mindedness’. Therapists experienced psychological blind •Evasion of Truth spots as implicit attitudes and a non- Safeguard Self •Counterfactual thinking- Positive illusion conscious resistance to a different •Safeguard Self perspective. This finding confirmed the literature that found bias blind spots are easy to recognise in •Seeing Subjectively-Blind to Bigger Picture others but often challenging to Polarised •The Enemy is Within not Without- detect in one’s own judgements my Mirror (West et. al., 2012). “When one Perspectives •Concealed Judgement fails to see or understand their unconscious prejudices, they are •Childhood Conditioning - Implicit Imprinting apt to think no bias has occurred Familial •Relational Templates and that their decision was indeed Opacities •Repeating Roles- Familial function objective and reasonable” (West et al., 2012, p.515). However, bias and preconceptions are a natural and Figure 2: Themes and meta-themes of psychological blind spots universal part of being human, and it is important to differentiate bias by external and objective social oneself as a distinct entity to be from malicious intent (Sandeen, et. influence, so too is he influenced compared against standards (Duval al. 2018). One participant referred by internal and unconscious &Wicklund, 1971). One therapist to the power of supervision in forces, which he summed up under shared their understanding; “It’s challenging concealed opinion. The the term the subjective factor. like I’m coming from a particular following is a fitting exemplar of how In subjective self-awareness, the perspective that I believe to one can judge without awareness; focus of attention is directed be a fact or truth or obviously “My supervisor said, you have to outward (Duval, & Wicklund,1971). the only way to think or see a let go of the judgement because The person will neither be aware thing“(Participant 5: Annabella). you don’t ever really know the full of the viewpoints of others, nor Pronin, Lin, and Ross (2002) stated circumstances. And sure enough, will he/she be even cognizant of that one’s peers and adversaries as weeks unfolded, she was right.”

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 25 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020

(Participant 4: Samantha). In this and realisation that any person liked that metaphor or that image case, the insight of her supervisor that irritates me or that annoys me; because it feels like the automaticity was fundamental to bringing that’s coming from within me, it’s or the habitual or the auto pilot of awareness to the blind spot. not them … I realised that everyone life that when we have a break or is my mirror’(Participant 7: Joe). we stop, we can be a little bit more The enemy is within not without- This quote aptly elucidates the mindful’(Participant 6: Jacob). The Everyone is my mirror participant’s lived experience of a sobering reality is that placement of “Our ordinary life still swarms with blind spot;’What one is not aware attention is largely habitual (Palmer, projections. You can find them of in himself, he may recognize in 1998). Research on self-awareness spread out in the newspapers, in another’ (MacIntyre, 2004). Jung show how impenetrable this books, rumours, and in ordinary expressed that, “A person realizes automatic evaluation process can be social gossip. All gaps in or actual that he himself has a shadow and (Silvia, and Duval, 2001). knowledge are still filled out with that his enemy is in his own heart” projections.” (Jung, 1938/40, p.83). (1954, p.198) and ‘Everything that Ancestral Blind Spots In reduced self-awareness, irritates us about others can lead us Philosophy attempts to recover the avoidance and defensive attributions to an understanding of ourselves’ original sense of things by a kind to external causes are prevalent (1961/1995, p.275). of archaeology, by striving to move (Silvia, and Duval, 2001).The backwards through the genetic research findings evidenced Blind Self constitutions that lie within the participants’ awareness of blind ‘Blind self’emerged as a category categorical formations we inherit spots as a form of ‘projection’ or under psychological blind spots. This (Sokolowski, 2000, p. 167). ‘attribution ‘where one ascribes predominately emphasised blind A small number of therapists their personal opinions or irritations spots in relation to self. Themes interpreted psychological blind spots onto another unconsciously. such as; ‘Eclipse of awareness’, as being inherited from previous Consciousness, instead of being ‘Automaticity’ and ‘Safeguard self’ generations. Freud believed in widened by the withdrawal of were found in the data set. genetics and the preserving of projections, is narrowed, because memories that were experienced by society, a mere circumstance of Automaticity our ancestors (Easthope, 1999). In human existence, is set up as an Various participants understood addition, Jung affirmed that the mind aim (Pronin, Lin, and Ross, 2002). psychological blind spots as a is an active principle in inheritance Existential/Analytic psychotherapists form of automaticity. A number of (Von Franz, 1975). It consists of have used the expression implicit therapists used the terms ‘recurring the sum of the ancestral minds, world projection to state the ways blind spots’ or ‘repetitive behaviour’ the unseen fathers whose authority one projects their world designs to describe their sense of automatic is born anew with the child (Von from meaningful fore-structures and reactions. This finding validated the Franz, 1975). The idea that blind backgrounds of their lives (Tratter, literature where previous studies spots can be handed down from 2015). “Projection is involuntary have shown that low self-focus was one’s ancestors was understood as transposition of something associated with automaticity (Silvia, a blind spot. A therapist avowed; “I unconscious in ourselves into an and Duval, 2001). Attention typically think these blind spots carry through outer object” (Von Franz, 1975, operates on automatic; we go with generations. It’s very important to p.77). In addition, projection is familiar habits (Palmer, 1998). Many break that” (Participant 7: Joe). attributing to others one’s own participants likened their blind spot unacceptable thoughts, feelings to the notion of being ‘on a treadmill’ Clinical Implications or intentions (Cramer, 2015). and ‘sleepwalking through life’. This Nowadays, the loss of systems Numerous participants experienced custom like any other may eventually of meaning and value, as well as this blind spot as ‘attacking another become so strong that it cannot feelings of insufficiency within a as opposed to dealing with self’ or be overcome by deliberate volition more closely intertwined, globalised, ‘ascribing something of self onto (Broad, 1968). A fitting quote shared mediatised and technically another’.This finding added to by a participant disclosed his dominated new world is challenging the existing literature by exposing understanding of psychological blind our level of awareness(Leuzinger- the qualitative essence of the spots as a form of auto pilot living. Bohleber, and Solms, 2017). experience which presented for one This image creates the notion of Psychoanalytical therapists Robert therapist as ‘the enemy is within not repetitive behaviour in unawareness; Stolorow stated the crucial aspect without….I had deeper awareness ‘Like being on the treadmill of life...I of therapy is making the invisible

26 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP visible (cited in Kahn, 2002). May for this to transpire. Cultural moral achievement. The withdrawal (1967) affirmed the uncovering of competence has been described of blind spots is an arduous task blind spots, the creation of self- as the appropriate response to that demands much rigorous honesty awareness and actualizing the the dilemma of misunderstandings with self. Psychological blind spots potentialities of one’s being are the and impasses preventing effective present in various guises, some more primary concern of psychotherapy. practice as a result of cultural obstinate than others but most an Jung concurred stating gaps between service systems, impediment to growth, awareness psychotherapy means, first and practitioners and clients (Williams, and cultural competence. In this foremost, an empirical investigation 1999; Martin & Miracle, 2001). ever-changing world we exist in the of the unknown part of the psyche CORU is Ireland’s multi-profession praxis of equality, inclusion and which manifests in many ways (Von health and social care regulator. It acceptance of diversity feels like an Franz, 1975). All participants in this specifies “demonstrating cultural ethical urgency. In the responsible study discussed the heightened competence” as a means of position that psychotherapy holds sense of awareness and potentiality promoting social justice in practice it is more than a duty of care to to change through the revelation of a within the Code of Professional question not only our own subjectivity blind spot, although it is sometimes Conduct and Ethics (2011, p.5). but others short-sightedness in a a challenging and arduous task. One of the defining properties of timely and appropriate manner, for psychotherapy is the fundamental it is only through the potency of Conclusion concern with issues of social awareness that we have the potential We must always inform the justice, equality and a commitment to change. Kaleidoscope of knowledge in to working with diversity and order to recognise commonalities oppressed groups. “If the world is as well as differences to individual always revealed according to the Melanie McGovern conceptualisations of the way one stands within it, this self- unconscious and enable further disclosure as a world is especially Melanie McGovern, Doctoral discussions This is a prerogative apparent when that revealed world researcher and IACP accredited for any innovative advancement of is uncluttered with social platitudes therapist. Her primary professional psychotherapy as an internationally and empirical literalism”(Brooke, qualification was as an ophthalmic acclaimed science (Leuzinger- 2015, p.136). Supervision, optician. She held the position as Bohleber, and Solms, 2017, p. 9). according to Brown & Bourne head optometrist in a busy practice Counselling psychologists (2002), is the primary means by before deciding to return to college to are recognizing therapy as a which to explore reflective practice. further educate completing diplomas culturally contextualized practice It necessitates ‘hard systematic in nutrition and holistic counselling whereby counselors’ own beliefs, thinking and soft initiative insight’ and psychotherapy. Melanie expectations, values and bias blind (Drew & Bingham, 2001, p. 221). continued on to attain a first class spots influence professional practice Self-focus attention engendered Masters degree in psychotherapy and research (Ridley, Mendoza, & through supervision or reflection and counselling. She works as an Kanitz, 1994). The one constant increases self-attribution (Silvia, and integrative psychotherapist from her that therapists can count on is that Duval, 2001) which is fundamental private practice in Salthill, Galway. they will carry their own lifetime of for the disclosure of blind spots. Currently, her work is based on accumulated cultural assumptions, Where are the answers to deal evidence –based practice including experiences and biases wherever with the psychological problems mindfulness based cognitive they go (Sandeen, et al., 2018). raised by the development of modern therapy. However, as her practice The culture and identity of Ireland consciousness? Future work that matures existential philosophies has essentially transformed explores poor self-knowledge is and reframing of old psychodynamic producing the environment for necessary to help “shed light on theories have developed. Melanie a multicultural Ireland (Banks, these blind spots” (Gallrein et. al. is the current recipient of the 2020 2008) that strives for equality, 2016, p.2). If each of us can attempt IACP research bursary. diversity and inclusion of its entire to disembark the treadmill of life, populace. Given the multicultural create a morsel of awareness, be Contact: demographics of our current social it through therapy or other and [email protected] landscape, there is an increasing challenge the negative content of our need for cultural competence and polarised vision including concealed www.galwaycounsellingpsychotherapy. creation of awareness is paramount judgements, it would be a worthy com

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 27 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020

REFERENCES Adams, M. (2016). Researching the self and Gallrein, A. M., WeBels, N. M., Carlson, E. N. experimental social psychology 43, pp. 565-578 beyond: A virtuous circle. The Psychotherapist. & Leising, D. (2016). I still cannot see it- A Romanyshyn, R. (2006). The wounded researcher: Issue 62 replication of blind spots in self-perception. Levels of transference in the research process. Allen, D.G, (1996). Knowledge, politics, culture Journal of Research Personality 60, 1-7. Harvest: International Journal for Jungian Studies. and gender: a discourse perspective. Canadian Jung, C. G. (1934). The Archetypes and the 52(1) 38-49. Journal of Nursing Research, 28(1), 95-102 Collective Unconscious, vol 9, part 1 of the Romanyshyn, R. (2013). The wounded researcher: Banks, M. (2008) Modern Ireland: multinationals collected works. Princeton: Princeton University Research with soul in mind. New Orleans, LA: and multiculturalism. Information, Society and Press Spring Journal. Justice, 2(1), 63-93. Jung, C. G. (1954). The Collected Works. The Rydell, R. J., & McConnell, A. R. (2006). Banaji, M.R and Greenwald A.G. (2016). Blind Practice of Psychotherapy (2nd ed) Vol 16. London: Understanding implicit and explicit attitude Spot: Hidden biases of good people. New York: Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd. change; A systems of reasoning analysis. Journal Bantam Books Jung, C. G. (1961/1995). Memories, Dreams, of Personality and Social Psychology, 91, 995-1008 Bazerman, M.H (2014). The power of noticing: Reflections. London: Fontana Sandeen, E., Moore, K. M., & Swanda, R. M. What the best leaders see. New York, NY:Simon Kafle, N. P. (2011). Hermeneutical phenomenology (2018). Reflective local practice: A pragmatic & Schuster research method simplified. Bodhi: An framework for improving culturally competent Bazerman, M.H., & Tenbrunsel, A.E (2011). Blind interdisciplinary Journal (5), 2091-2099 practice in psychology. Professional Psychology: spots why we fail to do what’s right and what to do Kahn, M. (2002). Basic Freud. Psychoanalytic Research and Practice, 49(2), 142-150. about it. Princeto, NJ: Princeton University Press. thought for the 21st century. NY: Basic Books Seth, P. (2017). Being opened: a hermeneutic Bohleber, W. (2017). Unconscious fantasy: An Kelly, D. (2019). Enacting embodied memory phenomenological enquiry into the existential attempt at conceptual integration.In S. Leuzinger- theater in a study of therapeutic space for the psychotherapist’s lived experience of wonder. Bohleber, and M. Solms. The Unconscious. A dying: an intuitive inquiry. Humanistic Psychologist, Middlesex: Middlesex University. bridge between psychoanalysis and cognitive 47(2), pp.158-179. Retrieved from http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/22613/ [accessed 16th November 2018] neuroscience. New York: Routledge. Kenny, D. A., & DePaulo, B. M. (1993). Do people Broad, C.D. (1968). The mind and its place in know how others view them? Am empirical and Smith, E.R., & DeCoster, J. (2000). Dual-process nature. London: Routledge theoretical account. Psychological Bulletin, 114, models in social and cognitive psychology: Conceptual integration and links to underlying Brooke, R. (2015). Jung and phenomenology. 145-161 memory systems. Personality and Social Sussex: Routledge. King, R. (2020, in press). Doing phenomenological Psychology review, 4, 108-131 Brown, A. & Bourne, I. (2002) The Social Work research: dwelling with the mystery. Sokolowski, R (2000). Introduction to Supervisor. Buckingham: Open University Press. In S. Bager-Charleson & A. McBeath Phenomenology. Cambridge: Cambridge university (Eds). Enjoying research in counselling and Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary (2017). press Dictionary. England: Cambridge University Press. psychotherapy, Palgrave-MacMillan. Tratter, M. D. A. (2015). A Place for existential Levitt, H. M., Motulsky, S. L., Wertz, F. J., Morrow, [https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/ ontology? Emblems of Being and implicit world S. L., & Ponterrotto, J. G. (2017). english/blind-spot] projection. Philosophy, Psychiatry &Psychology. 22 Campbell, J. (1949). The hero with a thousand Recommendations for designing and reviewing (2) 133-146 qualitative research in psychology: faces. Princeton: Princeton University Press Twenge, J.M., Catanese, K. R., & Baumeister, R.F. Carlson, E. N. (2013). Overcoming the barriers Promoting methodological inquiry. Qualitative (2003). Social exclusion and the deconstructed to self-knowledge: Mindfulness as a path to Psychology, 4(1), 2-22 state: Time perception, meaninglessness, seeing yourself as you really are. Perspectives on Leuzinger-Bohleber, M., Arnold S. & Solms, lethargy, lack of emotion, and self-awareness. Psychological Science, 8(2), 173–186. https://doi. M. (2017). The unconscious: a bridge between Journal of personality and Social Psychology, 85, org/10.1177/1745691612462584 psychoanalysis and cognitive neuroscience. New 409-423 CORU (2011). Code of professional conduct York: Routledge. Van Manen, M. (1990). Researching Lived ðics for social workers. Retrieved fromh t t p:// Luft, J., & Ingham, H, (1955). The Johari Window. Experience. Albany: State University www. CORU /.Code -of -professional -conduct A graphic model for interpersonal relations. LA: Van Manen, M. (2014). Phenomenology of Practice. -&-ethics[accessed15thMay, 2017]. University of California. Oxon: Left Coast Press Inc. Craig, E. (2008). The human and the hidden: May, R. (1967). Psychology and the human Von Franz, M. L. (1975). C.G. Jung. His Myth in Our Existential wonderings about depth, soul and the dilemma. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Time. Canada : University of Toronto Press unconscious. The Humanistic Psychologist, 36, Macintyre, A (2004). The Unconscious. A Vaillant, G. E. (2011). Involuntary coping 227-282 conceptual analysis. NY: Routledge mechanism: a psychodynamic perspective. Cramer, P. (2015). Defense mechanisms: 40 McConnell, A. R., Dunn, E. W., Austin, S. N. & Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. 13. (3) years of empirical research. Journal of personality Rawn, C.D (2011). Blind spots in the search Vazire, S., & Carlson, E. N. (2010). Self Knowledge assessment, 97(2), 114-122 for happiness: Implicit attitudes and nonverbal of personality: Do people know themselves? Social Cross, T. L. (1988) Service to minority leakage predict affective forecasting errors. & Personality Psychology Compass, 4, .605-620 populations: Cultural competence continuum. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology 47,628 - Wagas, A. (2015). Association of Ego Defense Focal Point, 3, 1–4. 634 Mechanism with Academic Performance, Anxiety Drob, S.L (1999). The Depth of the Soul: James McGovern, M. (in press).Psychotherapists’ lived and depression in Medical Students: A mixed Hillman’s Vision of Psychology. Journal of experience of epiphany moments: Findings from a method study. Cureus 7 (9), 337. Humanistic Psychology, 39 (3) 56-72 hermeneutic phenomenological enquiry. European West, R. F., Meserve, R. J. and Stanovich, Drew, S. & Bingham, R. (2001). The Student Skills: Journal of Qualitative Research (EJQR). K. E. (2012). Cognitive Sophistication Does Guide. London: Gower. Miley, K. K., O’Melia, M. & DuBois, B.I. (1998) Not Attenuate the Bias Blind Spot. Journal of Duval, T.S., & Wicklund, A. (1971). Opinion Change Generalist social work practice: An empowering personality and Social Psychology.103 (3), 506- and Performance Facilitation as a Result of approach. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. 519 Objective Self-Awareness. Journal of experimental Norman, E. (2010). The Unconscious in Current Williams, C. (1999). Connecting anti-racist and social psychology 7, 319 - 342. Psychology. European Psychologist 15(3): 193-201 anti-oppressive theory and practice: Retrenchment Easthope, A. (1999). The Unconscious: The new Palmer, H (1998). Inner Knowing: Consciousness, or reappraisal? British Journal of Social Work 29, critical idiom. NY: Routledge Creativity, Insight, Intuition. New York: Penguin 211–230. Erdelyi, M, H (1985) Psychoanalysis. Freud’s Putnam Inc. Wilson, T. D., & Dunn, E. W. (2004). Self cognitive psychology. New York: Freeman and Pronin E., Lin, D., Ross, L. (2002). The Bias Blind Knowledge: Its limits, value and potential for Company Spot: Perceptions of Bias in Self Versus Others. improvement. Annual Review of Psychology, 54, Etherington, K (2016). Personal experience Personality and Social Psychology 28 (3), 369-38 493-518 and critical reflexivity in counselling and Pronin E. & Kugler, M. B. (2007). Valuing thoughts, Yalom, I. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy.USA: psychotherapy. Counselling and Psychotherapy ignoring behavior: The introspection illusion Basic Books Research pp.1-10. as a source of the bias blind spot. Journal of

28 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020 IJCP

Book Review

Title: Origins, A Somatically Based the reader in their own personal process; Acts Approach to Our Developmental of Enquiry; Personal Perception; Principal Pause; and Evolutionary Process from Pre- Somatization; Information Interlude; Helpful Hints; conception to Standing. Meditative Enquiry and Processing Pointers. The use of guided body journeys is integral here, with the audio Author: Patrick Casement recordings affirming the process of somaticization. Published: 2018 buy Authenticity Books. The engagement with both written and audio material ISBN: ISBN: 978-1-9995821-0-4 requires significant commitment. Through this I found Price: 100 Euro that it nurtured the interactive nature as a reader, a key aim of the author, described so beautifully by Bob Reviewed by: Áine Hutchinson Kull when he says … In writing, the author speaks from his or her heart and mind directly to the heart and Witnessing is the capacity to see ourselves through mind of the reader. kind and compassionate eyes – Joan Davis The physical appearance, weight and layout of Origins are significant when engaging with the There was an uncanny sense of material. It is completely black and foreboding as I read Origins with white, with much spacing between the experience initially enshrined by text, interspersed with the spiral winter storms followed by the arrival of image, and numerous playful COVID-19. I am aware that by the time childlike figure drawings, anatomical Origins is published, a new world will and abstract representations. have been born. Thus, the aspiration The amount of empty space of Origins, in expression of humanity’s emanated a stillness in pace interconnectedness, holds immense for the reader. However, I found resonance with the impact of the that space called for colour and pandemic. condensing, and colour coding the Origins is directed to nine chapters may have orientated psychotherapists, movement therapists and dancers, the reader more. The final pages of tables which gave and all who are now called to a more embodied, an overview of the Origins journey was useful as a creative life. In this work, the author guides us through framework of consolidating the material, albeit in very a 700-page journey, anchored in the body, and using small print. The bibliography reflects the diverse pool somatic practices, from pre-conception to when we from which this book draws, ranging from perinatal began to stand. It incorporates practice methods from theories, attachment, anatomy, physiology, embryology, three years of the Origins training programme. Like trauma, philosophy and spirituality. a new-born arrival, with a size and weight requiring The book is for those prepared to immerse both hands to hold, this book demands the reader’s themselves and trust what may unfold, whether as a attention. The author invites the reader to explore, therapists, dancer or artist. As a reviewer I was both enquire and open to what may arise, and develop challenged and held by this book, and will return to ‘Witness Consciousness’. it again, as does the spiral, the central image of the The introduction to the book is essential in orientating work itself. the reader, providing a framework to the content. Likewise, the supplementary access to the online If the journey were too easeful, then there might never gallery of images and guided somaticization. The spiral to be ignition and the fire of passion to be fuelled by image used throughout the book, representing the nine the winds of change, modulated by the watery and fluid months of gestation, conveys the organic tapestry of beginnings and grounded in the earth of our physicality growth. The nine spirals take the reader through each and form - Joan Davis. chapter; Earliest Beginnings; Attachment; Nourishment; Preparation for Entry into the World; Birth; Onto Land; Áine Hutchinson MIAHIP MIACP ICP CQSW works Perception; The Flow of Life; and Authentic Movement privately in Cloughjordan Ecovillage, North Tipperary as Embodied Spiritual Practice. and Limerick https://aine.hutchinson.work Contact on The series of headings within each Spiral signpost 087 292 1790 [email protected]

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 29 IJCP Volume 20 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020

Poetry

It’s The Little Things Lockdown May 2020

By Margaret Bassett

It’s the little things that matter That switch the light on really fast The unexpected surprises The loving gestures will always last.

Sun peeping through your curtains As you awake from a good night’s sleep Clear blue skies of azure blue An invitation - it’s yours to keep.

Familiar noises bring you comfort Makes you feel safe secure and sound Kettle whistling in the kitchen Cats meowing on mossy ground.

The postman delivers a greeting card Yellow flowers and best wishes expressed within. Displayed in a place of prominence It’s good to have great pals and kin.

Yes it’s the little things that can give you a lift and encourage a shaky start. But the little things Are really the big things Strange times Strange life Strong heart

Margaret Bassett is a member of IACP working in Tullamore Co. Offally at Bloom Counselling & Psychotherapy.

30 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ph: 01 2303536 www.iacp.ie Co. Dublin. Dun Laoghaire 11-13 Clarence Street Marina House First Floor