Factors relating to boundaries and self-disclosure within mental health contexts

DClinPsych Thesis


Bone, A. 2021. Factors relating to boundaries and self-disclosure within mental health contexts. DClinPsych Thesis Canterbury Christ Church University Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology
AuthorsBone, A.
TypeDClinPsych Thesis
Qualification nameDoctor of Clinical Psychology
Abstract

Section A: Presents a systematic literature review synthesising and critiquing the evidence-base surrounding the use, and impact of therapist self-disclosure in cross-cultural therapy contexts with clients from ethnic minority groups. The review found that as well as mirroring the use and impact of therapist self-disclosure in more generalised therapy contexts, therapist self-disclosure was used to invite conversations about therapists’ and clients’ cultural or ethnic differences and identities. This included therapists using self-disclosure to validate clients’ experiences of racism or oppression and assert their commitment to an anti-racist stance. Risks to therapist self-disclosure within cross-cultural contexts are discussed, and findings and clinical implications are considered in the context of developing therapist cultural competency. The review found that studies had some methodological limitations (such as relying predominantly on self-report methods), and future research should further explore self-disclosure as the mechanism of change, and other possible therapist and client intersecting, or mediating factors.

Section B: Presents a grounded theory study exploring how case-managers in Early Intervention in Psychosis Services (EIPS) develop their understanding and practice around navigating boundaries. EIPS are a unique service model, in which an assertive outreach approach is adopted. Case-managers employ flexible boundaries to meet clients in the community and support them towards recovery and holistic goals. Current boundary theory is therefore not easily applied to this clinical context. Participants were 13 EIPS case-managers. Semi-structured interviews with participants were analysed using grounded theory. A concentric model emerged, defining different layers of influence impacting case-managers navigation of boundaries. The model also depicted how case-managers navigated boundaries with clients over time. This model adds to current boundary theory outside of therapy contexts, and can be used as a tool in clinical practice to guide clinicians’ thinking and reflection around boundaries within EIPS. Other relevant clinical and research implications are discussed.

KeywordsMental health contexts; Boundaries; Self-disclosure; Ethnic minority groups
Year2021
File
File Access Level
Open
Supplemental file
File Access Level
Restricted
Publication process dates
Deposited29 Nov 2021
Permalink -

https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/8zv48/factors-relating-to-boundaries-and-self-disclosure-within-mental-health-contexts

Download files


File
Alexandra Bone_MRP_2021.pdf
File access level: Open

  • 244
    total views
  • 263
    total downloads
  • 7
    views this month
  • 5
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

“It’s a dent, not a break”: an exploration of how care co-ordinators understand and navigate boundaries in early intervention in psychosis services
Bone, A., Terry, R. and Whitfield, R. 2022. “It’s a dent, not a break”: an exploration of how care co-ordinators understand and navigate boundaries in early intervention in psychosis services. Psychosis. 15 (4), pp. 381-393. https://doi.org/10.1080/17522439.2022.2108489