Therapists’ experiences of spontaneous mental imagery in therapy

Abstract

Background

Some psychodynamic and integrative therapists have written about their experiences of mental imagery (MI), or imagery that arises spontaneously while working therapeutically. However, there have been no empirical investigations of therapists’ imagery experiences. This mixed methods study was exploratory and aimed to begin to address this gap.

Methods

Forty‐three therapists, mostly psychologists, participated in an online study that collected both quantitative and qualitative data related to experiences of spontaneous mental imagery (SMI) in therapy. They provided written reports and reflections on their personal experiences and completed a series of Likert‐type scales in regard to conceptualisations of SMI.

Results

The majority rated SMI as helpful and perceived it as clinically meaningful although they reported little or no training in this area. Symbolic or metaphoric SMI was viewed as providing insight into clients’ core issues; as linked to therapist emotion and empathy; and reflective of the therapeutic relationship and countertransference. Some SMI was also experienced as difficult to understand and some was disturbing for therapists especially when the imagery related to clients’ trauma experiences.

Conclusions

Therapists’ SMI is an important new area of research. Initial findings suggest that while many therapists place considerable value on their SMI, there is little research or training available in this area.

Key words:

• imagery
• mental imagery
• psychotherapy
• therapeutic relationship
• therapist experience

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank the therapists who took part in this study.