Engaging with researcher reflexivity: making and working with images of countertransference

This workshop is aimed at researchers, academics, creatives, clinicians, and scholars who have an interest in exploring arts-based and psychological approaches to qualitative research.

Psychoanalytic understanding of countertransference expands researcher reflexivity to utilise rather than ‘bracket’ emotional responses that might emerge in our relational encounters with research participants and/or research topic.

I present an overview of my arts-based methodology, drawing upon psychosocial and Jungian approaches, to present ways for the practitioner/researcher to make use of countertransference as an affective and imaginal way of knowing.

In this workshop I introduce ways to utilise metaphor and image to reveal unconscious dynamics, uncover our blind spots and discover new ways of meaning making. There will be opportunity for you to explore your own interests through working with images. This workshop includes some experiential exercises; however, no art experience is needed just bring along your lively curiosity and an openness to experiment.

What you will get:

• An overview of how countertransference is utilised in psychological research
• A comparison between psychosocial and Jungian approaches to researcher reflexivity
• A chance to experiment with working with image and metaphor
• The space to think beyond the rational to gain new and fresh perspectives
• An opportunity to connect with people who share your interest in psychology and creative approaches

Who is it for:

• Anyone who is interested in going beneath the surface to access unconscious processes
• Anyone who is keen to explore innovative and imaginative ways to engage in reflective practice
• Practitioners who want to apply arts-based methodologies to their own research topic or creative interest

If you are interested in delving deeper and being part of an ongoing arts-based reflective practice group, this taster workshop will be followed up by an online 5-week course later in the year.