Existential time-limited therapy: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of existential counselling psychologists and psychotherapists providing therapy in time-limited contexts

This dissertation explores the experience of existential counselling psychologists and psychotherapists providing time-limited therapy. Ten participants were interviewed, using semi-structured interviews, focusing on the emotions, meaning-making processes and attitudes that constitute their experience. The material was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis - IPA. Five superordinate themes were identified, highlighting the main constituents of the experience of existential therapists in time-limited settings: the experience of time-limitation, the experience of ending, the experience of the therapeutic process, attitudes towards time-limited therapy and support systems. Existing literature on time-limited therapy and the existential approach was utilised to shed light on the results and to reach a better understanding of the implications that this study has on the existential approach, supervisory and training settings, and counselling psychology. It is suggested that existential time-limited therapy is particularly relevant for the widespread provision of time-limited therapies, and its application is based on three main values: the philosophical value, the relational value and the holistic value. The importance of support systems for therapists providing existential time-limited therapy, in the form of supervision and training, was also highlighted, with reference to the particular challenges and opportunities that such a work entails. Finally, the contribution of this study to the division of Counselling Psychology, and the necessity for such a research in order to safeguard the division’s values, promote its pluralistic identity, and provide ethical and competent services to those in need, is also presented.