The therapeutic relationship and its links to emotional intelligence

The importance of emotional intelligence (EI) as a theoretical construct to understand human emotions has become quite prominent over the last two decades. However, the concept of EI has not been frequently applied to the therapeutic setting. This study investigated the role that EI plays in therapy, the therapist’s perspective of trait EI in his or her work, and the meaning of the therapeutic relationship from therapists’ perspectives. From interviewing 12 counselling psychologists and therapists, and analysing their responses using a grounded theory approach. The main themes that emerged from the data collected were empathetic balance, benevolent connection and mindfulness. Within these themes a number of findings were established. Most EI traits appear to be present within the therapy setting, albeit not in an overtly conscious way. There was also a sense that EI cannot adequately explain or describe the subtle yet very real emotional connection and empathy that the therapist and the client share and experience. From these findings, I present various recommendations for future research to explore the relevance of EI in the therapeutic setting. One suggestion is to explore the differences between ability and trait EI within the therapeutic relationship while another recommends development of appropriate EI teaching modules for psychotherapy training purposes.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

other

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

City University London

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Poullis, Joseph

• BF Psychology