Abstract
Findings are presented for a qualitative IPA study that explored how mothers who
experienced the journey of becoming a psychotherapist related to their children during the
process. Three trainee therapists in the final years of training were interviewed. They
reported being positively impacted by the training and the self-understanding that comes with
the experiential learning. The challenges of training as a psychotherapist whilst being a
mother were explored. Personal emotional experiences were shared in relation to the concept
of “change” and “ self-awareness” and how this impacted on family life. All participants
attend therapy as part of the training and reported it to be a key part of transformative
learning. Fostering critical reflection allows adult learners to tap into their rich life
experiences as a basis of growth and life- long learning. Personal therapy and client work
offered the opportunity to examine and identify the assumptions and common-sense beliefs
that underlie our thoughts and actions.
A heightened sensitivity to issues around babyhood, pregnancy, maternal feelings and
parenting were explored in the context of studying psychotherapy as a mother. Additional
stressors like the practicalities of managing and juggling family life around the training was
explored, however it was also acknowledged that all trainees whether mothers or not have
commitments outside the training. The personal growth experienced by the participants was
varied, including a more relaxed perspective and greater awareness of self. All participants
had a sense that they were moving forward with greater wisdom about themselves which
allowed for a freedom to relate to their children in a more open manner. A greater
appreciation of the profound impact of words was attributed to the training and this had a
positive impact on family relating.
