Reflective Practice and Self-Care within Clinical Psychology

Riccio, Sibella (2023) Reflective Practice and Self-Care within Clinical Psychology. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

Preview

PDF Download (5MB) | Preview

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore reflective practice and self-care within clinical psychology. A systematic review was conducted, which synthesised research into the factors that contribute to clinical psychologists’ self-care and wellbeing. There were 10 studies included within the review, which used either a qualitative or mixed methodology. There were three main themes identified within the results of the review: Self-awareness, Connectedness and Proactive self-care steps. The review outlined that there are multiple factors that contribute to clinical psychologists’ self-care and wellbeing, including developing and maintaining self-awareness and feeling a sense of connectedness and support.

A qualitative study was also conducted to explore clinical psychologists’ experiences of the role that reflective practice plays in their self-care. 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted with qualified clinical psychologists recruited from NHS Trusts and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Following analysis, four main themes were identified: The importance of psychological safety; An awareness of internal state; Connecting with others; Reflection leads to action. The findings from this study outlined the importance of psychological safety when engaging with reflective practice, which is a process that helps clinical psychologists with caring for themselves in various ways. Findings from both the systematic review and empirical study are discussed and critically evaluated at length within this thesis.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	07 Nov 2023 14:02
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2023 14:02
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/93593
DOI:

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item