3830 research outputs found
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Perfect: The enemy of good? A psychotherapeutic exploration of perfectionism
No full textThis study focuses on the concept of perfectionism from a psychotherapeutic perspective, examining its potential origins, its impact on mental health, and the opportunities and challenges presented by psychotherapeutic treatment. Perfectionism is a multidimensional construct, with both adaptive and maladaptive features. This paper focuses on the latter aspects (such as basing one’s self-worth on achievements and a perceived discrepancy between excessively high standards and performance), and the extensive evidence to support the ‘maladaptive’ perfectionists’ vulnerability to psychopathologies, including eating disorders, depression and anxiety. The study explores the roots of perfectionism through the lens of early relationships, particularly the influence of attachment and asynchrony, as well as transgenerational transmission of perfectionistic cognitions and characteristics. This focus is also applied to an exploration of psychotherapeutic treatment modalities, including dynamic-relational, cognitive and humanistic approaches, with reference to their impact on the roots of perfectionism. While theoretical models do exist, there is a lack of empirical data on effective treatment modalities, and conflict between the dynamic-relational and cognitive approaches. Ultimately, it has been argued that a psychotherapeutic understanding of perfectionism would benefit from an integrated perspective, given the impact of both relational underpinnings and resulting cognitions on the development of the condition
Work Stress and Burnout in Ireland's IT Industry: Evaluating Prevalence and Psychotherapeutic Approaches
No full textWork-related stress and burnout represent significant challenges within the demanding Irish Information Technology (IT) sector. This library-based dissertation explores the application and evaluates the evidence for psychotherapy-informed interventions in mitigating these issues within this specific context. The review establishes the high prevalence and impact of stress and burnout, driven by factors including intense pressure, job insecurity, and remote work challenges unique to the sector. An evaluation of individual-level interventions (such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Employee Assistance Programmes) indicates varied effectiveness, primarily for stress and exhaustion. They appear to have a limited impact on cynicism or professional efficacy and significant dependency on organisational context. Findings reveal a gap between systemic workplace stressors and the focus of individual interventions. It is concluded that while psychotherapy-informed approaches offer valuable individual coping tools, more research in the area is needed about integrated strategies combining individual support with organisational-level changes addressing psychosocial safety are essential for sustainable well-being in the Irish IT industry
Tender Feelings: Exploring the Role of Psychotherapy in Understanding the Intersection of Shame and Anti-Immigrant Violence in Ireland
No full textThe rise in anti-immigrant violence in Ireland warrants exploration to understand the psyche of perpetrators and inform effective psychotherapeutic intervention. By re-examining psychoanalytic theories of violence, beyond guilt, shame emerges as a potent driver of anti-immigrant violence. The narcissistic pain of chronic shame can fuel aggression towards immigrants, exacerbated by contemporary online humiliation narratives and right-wing, extremist ideologies, transforming rage into contempt, as seen in the Dublin riots of November 2023. Psychotherapists must recognise concealed shame beneath violence alongside experiences of social exclusion, criminality, trauma, prejudice, and an array of complex emotions and psychic defences to work with anti-immigrant violent perpetrators. This dissertation offers a fresh perspective on psychoanalytic theories of violence, highlighting the moral emotions behind contemporary anti-immigrant violence in Ireland
Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy: a person-centred approach
No full textThis thesis explores the role of the therapist in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (PAT) through the lens of Carl Rogers Person-Centred Therapy (PCT). Specifically, it examines how the core conditions of empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard (UPR) can enhance therapeutic outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of therapeutic qualities such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness and trust in creating a safe environment for navigating psychedelic experiences. While integrating PCT into PAT offers significant potential, the unique challenges of altered states of consciousness, such as emotional intensity and nonlinear experiences, require therapists to adapt and maintain psychological safety. The thesis concludes with the findings that while PCT’s principles are conducive to positive outcomes in PAT, further research is needed to address the complexities of effectively applying them in psychedelic context
OCD within the therapy room: An exploration of person-centred therapy
No full textThis study sets out to explore the application of person-centred therapy (PCT) in addressing obsessive-compulsive disorder, a disorder that affects between 1-3% of the global population. OCD is characterised by core components including obsessions and compulsions that impair quality of life (QoL) including social functioning and a sense of wellbeing. OCD leads to distress and anxiety which reduces autonomy and creates a false sense of identity, whilst invoking feelings of guilt and shame. PCTs humanistic framework uses empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard to promote self-acceptance and autonomy. Examining OCD and its subtypes, this study finds that PCT counters the fragmented self-identity commonly reported in individuals with OCD, whilst fostering self-actualising tendencies
Incorporating Trauma-Informed Practices into Psychotherapeutic Supports for Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse.
No full textThere appears to be increasing incorporation of Trauma Informed Practice (TIP) into psychotherapeutic supports for adult survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in Ireland. Yet there are also reports of confusion about what TIP means, uncertainty about its practical implications, and considerable variability in the efficacy with which it is implemented. This has led to calls for increased provision of specialist sexual violence services that place trauma at their heart, addressing survivors’ basic safety concerns and minimising the risk of re-traumatisation. This desk-based research study aims to inform and rekindle the debate around provision of TIP-informed services for adult survivors of CSA in Ireland. It synthesises literature that offers a rationale for TIP, and provides clients, psychotherapists, policy makers, and others with a sense of what effective incorporation looks like in the psychotherapeutic encounter. Findings suggest that, not only does TIP profoundly improve the quality and character of psychotherapy for CSA survivors, it is indispensable to this. Practical suggestions are made around how TIP can be used to create safer relational, psychological, and physical psychotherapeutic spaces
Speaking the Unspeakable: An Exploration of Key Issues Relating to the Disclosure of Childhood Sexual Abuse by Adult Clients in the Psychotherapy Space.
No full textThis research reviews literature relating to the disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA) by adult clients in the psychotherapy space. It highlights how a range of silencing factors—such as shame, fear, and societal stigma—may contribute to delayed disclosure until adulthood. The therapeutic setting is found to offer survivors a space to begin narrating their traumatic experiences, with disclosure representing a significant moment in the client’s healing journey. This research emphasises the importance of the therapist’s role in managing and responding to disclosure with sensitivity and care. It concludes that trauma-informed, supportive responses by psychotherapists are essential in validating the survivor’s experience and establishing a foundation for further healing
Exploring the Relationship between Attachment Styles & Mental Disorders in Foster Children
No full textThis dissertation explores the relationship between attachment styles and mental health difficulties in foster children. It begins by outlining attachment theory, its key concepts, attachment patterns and how early caregiving experiences shape emotional and psychological development. The paper then examines how foster children, due to various reasons such as early trauma, neglect, abuse, attachment and placement disruptions, are more likely to develop insecure or disorganised attachment styles. These attachment patterns are linked to a higher risk of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioural issues. While there is a strong connection between attachment and psychopathology, other factors such as environmental conditions, caregiver stress and the child’s resilience also play a role. The findings highlight the importance of stable, loving and supportive caregiving and the need for further research to better understand and support the mental health of children in foster care
Out of the closet, into the room: Self-disclosure and involuntary revelation of sexual orientation for gay male psychotherapists in contemporary Ireland
No full textThis dissertation examines self-disclosure and involuntary revelation of sexual orientation of cisgender gay male psychotherapists in the operating environment of contemporary Ireland. Against the backdrop of Ireland’s evolving LGBTQI+ sociocultural and political landscape, the research explores the unique challenges these therapists face in navigating personal authenticity and professional boundaries. The study investigates how therapists manage their sexual identity in and out of therapeutic contexts, considering both deliberate self-disclosure decisions and circumstances of involuntary revelation. Particular attention is given to the implications of Ireland’s LGBTQI+ community structure, use of digital spaces, and expression of identity. The research considers how various therapeutic modalities approach self-disclosure, examines the role of transference/countertransference, and investigates disclosure/nondisclosure as interventions. Findings suggest tensions between traditional therapeutic non-disclosure principles, and both contemporary understandings of cultural influence on the therapeutic alliance and opportunities to judiciously adopt self-disclosure
Tailoring psychotherapeutic interventions: exploring sex specific needs in cocaine use disorder treatment in an Irish Setting.
No full textAbstract Cocaine use disorders (CUDs) present a global health challenge. They impact millions of individuals around the world, however research and treatment guidelines on this topic have historically been build around data from male populations. Creating a gap in understanding at the distinct needs of females experiencing this disorder. This dissertation examines CUDs in a sex- specific context, highlighting the difference of experience between men and women with CUDs on a biological, psychological and sociocultural level. These aspects further shape the onset, progression and the overall impact of the disorder as a result. Furthermore, this dissertation critically analyses the current limitations of treatment guidelines in an Irish context within the Health Service Executive (HSE). It then recommends integrating sex- specific approaches that can build a more robust, informed framework that considers the needs of female populations. Finally, gaps in literature are analyzed and further discission is made regarding the need for future longitudinal studies on this topic. Having these studies carried out would seek to enhance treatment engagement and efficacy, leading to more informed recommendations and guidelines for treatment