Snowden, Lee (2024) A psychoanalytic theoretical and clinical exploration of hope and hopelessness. Professional Doctorate thesis, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust/University of East London. Full text available

Preview

PDF (Snowden (A Psychoanalytic)) Snowden - A psychoanalytic.pdf - Published Version Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

We therapists all find ourselves engaging with recognisable feelings of hope and hopelessness in our work, as do our patients. These feelings were certainly a significant factor in much of the clinical work that I undertook with a traumatised adopted boy whom I saw in three times a week psychotherapy discussed in this thesis. His case included an oscillation between states of hope and hopelessness – a common factor in many if not all cases seen by child psychotherapists. Hope seems to be present when we make contact, and it fades away when we cannot. This thesis aims to understand what is going on, especially unconsciously, from a psychoanalytical perspective. It explores what psychoanalytic ideas we have available to further our understanding of the phenomenon, and it investigates what we can do to transform states of hopelessness into more hopeful ones. To do this, the thesis undertakes a thorough exploration of theory and related literature, as well as qualitative data analysis from an intensive case to ensure the emerging concepts are grounded in clinical experience. The theory in combination with the analysis of the clinical data shows that hope and hopelessness are complex concepts. These concepts refer not only to routine ups and downs in the moods of both therapist and patient, but also to the trainee therapist’s difficulties in working with a challenging first case. The concepts also refer to the substantial issues faced by the patient in developing a coherent sense of himself and a belief that his experience had continuity and some hopeful elements.

Item Type:	Thesis (Professional Doctorate)
Additional Information:	Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust and the University of East London for the degree of Professional Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Professional Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, University of East London
Subjects:	Children, Young People and Developmental Pyschology > Child Psychotherapy Children, Young People and Developmental Pyschology > Adoption & Fostering- Psychology Psychological Therapies, Psychiatry, Counselling > Patient/Therapist Interaction Research, Tests, Assessments > Psychotherapy Research
Department/People:	Children, Young Adult and Family Services Research
URI:	https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/2933

Actions (Library Staff login required)

View Item