The experiences of compassion and self-compassion among psychologists
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Date
2017-11
Authors
Kally, Thamari
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
A large number of psychologists are faced with the task of caregiving and
the provision of compassion towards the lived experiences of their clients. While
psychologists often experience a sense of satisfaction from their work as
caregivers, many also face potential compassion fatigue as a result. As such,
psychologists’ experiences with self-compassion (SC) are equally important in
that it serves to help them manage their well-being and engagement during
therapeutic processes more effectively. This is especially true in the South
African context where exposure to trauma is a common occurrence and often
places a high burden of care on psychology professionals working in this
context.
The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of
compassion and SC among psychologists in the South African context. A
qualitative multiple case study approach was used to elicit rich descriptions from
participants regarding their experiences of compassion and SC. Six participants
were recruited through purposeful sampling. Data were collected through two
semi-structured interviews with each participant. The interviews were
transcribed verbatim and analysed by means of thematic analysis. Six themes
emerged from the data analysis: 1) Psychologists’ Values are the Starting Point
for Compassion and SC; 2) Relationships Nurture Compassion and SC; 3)
Compassion and SC Develop Dynamically within a Therapist; 4) Compassion
and SC Require Awareness of Self and Others; 5) Compassion and SC Add
Value to Psychologists; and 6) Compassion and SC Entail a Process of Energy.
The findings of the study suggest that compassion and SC fulfil an important
function in the lives of psychologists and the therapeutic processes they form
part of. As such, the insights gained from this research may have important
implications for psychologists and how they practice their profession in the
South African context.
Description
Keywords
Compassion, Self-compassion, Psychology, Psychology practitioner, South Africa, Dissertation (M.A. (Counselling Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2017