Where two worlds meet: an exploration of the client's experience of dream-work in time limited therapy

Abstract

This paper outlines a Reflexive Action Research study into the use of dream-work in time-limited counselling, setting the work clearly in the context of Primary Care. After a brief review of the literature and a consideration of the ontological, epistemological and logical assumptions underlying the research design, the methodology is articulated in accordance with the principle of transparency, whereby readers can judge the trustworthiness of the account. The subjective nature of data analysis is explored before results are presented, quoting directly from contributions made by the participants. Tentative conclusions are drawn; however the whole should be seen as an attempt to bridge the gap that can exist between theory, research and practice. As such it is both transformatory and empowering for the researcher and has led to furthering of this research and a greater understanding of practice.

Keywords:

• Primary Care
• Reflexive Action Research
• trustworthiness
• dream-work
• time-limited counselling