Introduction of the person-centered training ‘Contemplative Dialogue Method’ and qualitative exploration of trainees’ experiences

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to introduce a person-centered training activity called the Contemplative Dialogue Method and to explore the experiences of those who participated in an instance of the training. The Contemplative Dialogue Method is based on two theoretical bases: philosophical values as a way of being and person-centered integration. Firstly, the aims of the Contemplative Dialogue Method, its procedures, and the role of the facilitator are explained. Secondly, the dialogue of five participants in the Contemplative Dialogue Method is analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore their experiences in the sessions. Three themes are found through the analysis: ‘Integration of a way of being from experience, theory and dialogue’, ‘A transit point in the learning process’ and ‘A space for exploration with others’. Finally, from the findings, it is argued that the group’s climate and the relationships among the participants contributed to their exploration and integration of their own philosophical values. Also, it is suggested that the participants’ clinical experience as therapists and clients is an important factor in considering the timing for implementation of the Contemplative Dialogue Method.

KEYWORDS:

• Training
• dialogue
• person-centered integration
• philosophical value
• qualitative research

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Professor David Murphy for his valuable feedback of this research. I am also deeply grateful to my dear friend Ames Helen Louise Marjan for her warm support during my life in the UK.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. This paper is a revised version of a paper originally published as a dissertation for a master’s degree at the University of Nottingham.