Breathing awareness in the therapeutic relationship
Authors
O’Sullivan, Niamh
Issue Date
2012
Degree
BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The aim of this research is to examine therapists’ awareness of their breathing in the therapeutic relationship and to explore features associated with this awareness. The study comprises four participants who have an awareness of breathing in their therapeutic practice. These participants are chosen for convenient and purposive reasons. The study uses a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews that consist of eight questions with three sub-sections to explore the issues further. The interviews are carried out separately and vary in length from twenty-five to sixty minutes. The findings reveal there is an awareness of breathing in the therapeutic relationship. There is a somatic awareness which leads the participants to be focused, grounded, and fully present in the therapeutic relationship. This awareness helps the participants to connect to their gut instincts which heightens awareness in the relationship and helps the clients to connect to what is coming up for them. The research reveals that breathing awareness is helpful to the therapist, the client, and the therapeutic relationship.