1st Edition

Intuition in Psychotherapy From Research to Practice

    246 Pages
    by Routledge

    246 Pages
    by Routledge

    Intuition in Psychotherapy provides an unprecedented look at the phenomenon of clinical intuition, outlining its role in psychotherapy and providing a framework to develop intuitive skills that will positively impact practice.

    Based on qualitative research and extensive first-hand interviews, the text illuminates how an awareness of intuitive processes can benefit therapists’ diagnostic and treatment outcomes. Chapters provide a context for the use of intuition within current thinking in psychotherapy and highlight different forms of intuition that can be purposefully incorporated into clinical practice. Suitable for trainee and practicing psychotherapists, the text explores common intuitive processes and offers guidance for how practitioners might develop a unique therapeutic style.

    As understanding of intuition becomes mainstream in psychotherapy practice, Intuition in Psychotherapy will serve as a key point of reference for years to come.

    1. Current Knowledge and Perspectives  2. Therapists’ Understanding of their Intuition  3. How Therapists Use Intuition in Therapy  4. Focus of Therapists’ Attention  5. Forms of Clinical Intuition  6. Experiences and Practices Associated with Clinical Intuition  7. Characteristics and Values of Intuitive Therapists  8. Concerns Regarding Clinical Intuition  9. Teaching Clients to Trust their Intuition  10. Overarching Themes in Clinical Intuition

    Biography

    Marilyn Stickle, MEd, MSW, LCSW, has worked for decades developing a model of practice that includes clinical intuition. She is currently in private practice in Arlington, Virginia, where she treats adults in individual and couples psychotherapy.

    Margaret Arnd-Caddigan, MA, MSW, PhD, LCSW, teaches and researches psychotherapy practice at East Carolina University. She is the Director of the Greenville Psychoanalytic Study Group, and has a private practice where she conducts psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and consultation.

    "The most brilliant professor I knew in medical school often could not explain how he arrived at a diagnosis. His intuitive ability was simply dazzling, but he stumbled with explanations. In Intuition in Psycotherapy, psychotherapists Marilyn Stickle and Margaret Arnd-Caddigan explore this gift of intuition. They show that beneath logic and reason are ways of knowing that are nonlocal, ways that are not limited to specific points in space and time. This unifying expression of consciousness amplifies and extends one’s mental power exponentially, enabling us to know things we are not "supposed" to know when we limit ourselves to reason, logic, and the here and now. And because this way of knowing connects us nonlocally with others, it facilitates empathy, compassion, love, and caring. Recognized throughout human history, this view of consciousness is surfacing in many discipline This fascinating book shos why, and suggests that it is only a matter of time until the abundant evidence for these intuitive, nonlocal ways of knowing are openly acknowledged in every major discipline." – Larry Dossey, MD, Author of One Mind: How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It Matters 


    "I was delighted to see this wonderful new book that brings together the worlds of science and spirituality, for the latter is only a realm of science not yet thoroughly explored. An effective psychotherapist is able to settle down in deeper consciousness so that s/he can resonate with the patient. What is fascinating about Intuition in Psychotherapy is the way the authors succeed in presenting the material both scientifically and appealingly. This book will have broad appeal both within and outside of the therapeutic community. I highly recommend it." – Richard Dietrich Maddox, Certified Teacher of Transcendental Meditation and Author of four Amazon #1-bestselling novels

    "In reading the book I was delighted to see that many of the chapters discuss characteristics and features that enable the positive use of intuition and build upon the essentiality and importance of developing a positive professional relationship in therapy. I appreciate both the authors’ contention that intuition can be seen as a form of interactive communication stemming from a deep connection between people, and the fact that intuition can complement practice models such as cognitive-behavioral and solution focused. The book fills a gap in scholarly literature on the important role that intuition can have in effective counselling, and would be emphasis of how intuition fits with or complements models such as these of value to students and practitioners interested in learning more about intuition." – John Coates, PhD, Professor Emeritus, St. Thomas University, Fredericton, Canada

    "This excellent work makes an invaluable contribution to social work, counselling, and, more broadly, our understanding of the human experience and condition. Based on their important qualitative study and considerable combined expertise, Marilyn Stickle and Margaret Arnd-Caddigan’s work explores clinical intuition using an interdisciplinary perspective yielding rich findings, not the least of which include attuned listening and deep inner awareness. Strong in both theoretical exploration and development and applications to clinical practice (the therapeutic alliance in particular), this groundbreaking book is a must read for those who are interested in counselling or who are simply seeking more robust human communication and engagement." – Arielle Dylan, PhD

    "Building on the ‘art and science’ of social work practice, Margaret Arnd-Caddigan and Marilyn Stickle shed light on the use of intuition in clinical practice. Thoroughly grounded in theory, research, and practice, this important study highlights how self-awareness, instinctive understandings, and trust can be powerful tools in counselling practice. Applicable to a variety of counselling professions, including social work, this valuable book provides a foundation for understanding the nuances of the therapeutic relationship, as well as, increasing self-awareness and trust among therapists and service users. This excellent work will be an important addition for anyone interested in the helping profession who wants to broaden their understanding of communication, therapeutic relationships, and use of self." – Jenni Cammaert, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work at St. Thomas University

    "This book is an exhaustive exploration of the thinking and research on intuition from a broad theoretical and practical spectrum. The authors skillfully compare the practices and insights of a diverse group of research participants to findings from other relevant research. The results are an informative, thought provoking combination of data, theory and practical instructions…. The findings from previous research and the authors’ conclusions substantiate the existence of human connectiveness and that communication occurs in a variety of nonverbal and verbal forms. The effective use of intuition in clinical practice requires self awareness and the ability to be focused and in the moment with the client. The reminder of the value of knowledge, skills, self-awareness, ethics and transparency in the therapeutic process is refreshing. Although intuition is the focus of the book, the "how to" content offers valuable information for any clinician in the process of honing their skills." – Charlotte L. McConnell, ACSW, retired CEO of Family and Child Services of Washington, DC, Inc., and former faculty at Howard University School of Social Work

    "Intuition in Psychotherapy weaves theoretical, scientific and holistic models into a tapestry of self-inquiry, self-development and mindfulness. This book enables us to reflect on the ins and outs of intuition. The authors challenge clinicians to allow intuition to lie dormant or enliven it with openness and wonderment. Moreover, the researchers have nudged clinicians either new to the field or experienced in the field of psychotherapy to respect the gifts of intuition, and so doing, we honor the client." – Patricia A. Ruiz, PhD, LCSW, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist

    "The authors have written an important book for all therapists, regardless of clinical orientation. In addition to its use by therapists, this would prove useful to all those seeking deeper human connections." – Gretchen McKnew LCSW, ACSW, Private Practice

    "Intuition in Psychotherapy captures the inner essence of therapeutic practice. From a "brain" perspective intuition lives in the limbic-heart and the visceral-gut systems, our emotional brains. These two systems connect us with spirituality, human relatedness, nature, and much more. Therapists track our client’s journey in our emotional brains, while also holding ourselves apart, utilizing the fiber of our thinking brain to assess our words and treatments. The authors have cleverly outlined the "tuned-in" psychotherapist’s journey of intuition with their clients using research and analysis. This is a beginning, I believe, to a new knowledge of practice." – Lynn Turner, PhD, LCSW, Reiki Master and Certified Chakra Energy Healer

     

    "There are things that we can teach clinicians, but intuition is not one of them. We can only identify, support and nurture this critical aspect of clinical practice. The authors do just that. This outstanding book offers a scientific basis of the characteristics of intuitive practice and practitioners, such as the " inner knowing". While based in research, the authors writing style invites the reader to find a cozy chair, curl up, relax and read a wonderful story of the forms of intuition, ways to enhance intuition, and learning to trust our intuition. I would recommend this book to beginning as well as very experienced therapists." – Cathleen Gray, PhD, LICSW, Retired Professor, The Catholic University of America