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An exploration of trainee clinical psychologists' experiences of engaging with psycho spiritual issues in clinical practice

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posted on 2010-10-13, 13:50 authored by Jayne Mills
Purpose: The purpose of the research was two-fold: to determine the provision of religious and spirituality teaching within UK Clinical Psychology training courses and to explore the experiences of trainee clinical psychologists engagement with psycho-spiritual constructs in clinical practice. Method: Two studies were conducted. A preliminary survey involved a questionnaire survey of UK Doctorate in Clinical Psychology courses to determine the provision of religious and spiritual teaching currently provided. A qualitative study involved a semi-structured interview of third-year trainee clinical psychologists to explore their experiences of engaging in psycho-spiritual constructs in clinical practice. Results: Preliminary survey: Inconsistent findings were noted. Courses varied in the time allocated to religious and spirituality teaching, ranging from no teaching to two-and-half days over the three year course. Curriculum content also varied, with an inconsistency of opinion of what should be included in teaching. Qualitative study: Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Five super-ordinate themes emerged; provision of religious and spirituality training, trajectory of clinical practice, locus of control, existential issues and personal religion and spirituality ideology. Conclusion: Whilst many studies support the integration of religion and spirituality in clinical practice (Post & Wade, 2009; Knox et al., 2005) to date, there is little change in the training of clinical psychologists. Recommendations are suggested to influence change at organisational, academic and clinical levels.

History

Supervisor(s)

Wang, Michael

Date of award

2010-10-01

Awarding institution

University of Leicester

Qualification level

  • Doctoral

Qualification name

  • DClinPsy

Language

en

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