Beverly Haarhoff

Doctor of Philosophy, (Psychology)
Study Completed: 2009
College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Citation

Thesis Title
The map, the navigator, and the explorer: Evaluating the content and quality of CBT case conceptualizations and the role of self-practice/self-reflection as a training intervention.

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Ms Haarhoff’s research evaluated case conceptualisation in cognitive behaviour therapy as a core psychotherapeutic competency. Her research revealed an emphasis on predisposing factors and psychological mechanisms, and although the majority of participants produced good enough case conceptualisations, socio-cultural, biological, and protective factors, and the therapeutic relationship were generally ignored. Ms Haarhoff’s research further found that self-practice and self-reflection are potentially useful in the training of specific psychotherapeutic competencies. Following exposure to a self-reflection training intervention designed for the study, participants’ self reflections showed improvements in theoretical understanding, self awareness, empathy, conceptualisation of the therapeutic relationship, adaptation of clinical interventions, and clinical practice. Based on these findings, Ms Haarhoff proposes a number of strategies for improving the training of cognitive behaviour therapists.

Supervisors
Associate Professor Ross Flett
Dr Kerry Gibson