The experience of transformation of self as revealed in a counselling relationship
Date
2000
Authors
Maximick, Lorna Anne
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Abstract
The purpose of the inquiry was to explore the nature of the experience of transformation of self in a counselling relationship. Transformation as described in this study is the human experience that is characterized by a profound difference in a person's Being-in-the-world. Transformation is about significant, multidimensional shifts: it is a major qualitative change in the human psyche. The study draws from three sources: literature in the existential phenomenological tradition, autobiographical reflections on my own transformational experiences, and audio-taped conversations with three persons who were involved in their own personal development and presently in a counselling relationship with someone other than myself. The methodology used in this thesis is phenomenological and hermeneutic. Several themes emerged from the data that elucidated the phenomenon. The significant themes revealed by the co-researchers were: Self-compassion that included awareness, acknowledgement and acceptance, the importance of coming to know one's self through body awareness, and the development of a more "Authentic Self." In addition, the co-researchers identified significant facilitative characteristics of their counsellors that provided a crucible for their transformation.