Psychotherapists’ Experience: Working with Disordered Eating from a Humanistic Perspective- A Phenomenological Study

Disordered eating is considered to be one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, yet there is a lack of adequate support for individuals with such concerns. This research focuses on how psychotherapists work with disordered eating from a humanistic perspective. The aims were to enhance the limited existing research on the spectrum of disordered eating and humanistic therapeutic approaches. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with four qualified psychotherapists with experience of working with disordered eating and who use humanistic approaches in their client work. The data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Four group experiential themes and several sub-themes emerged from the analysis: application of therapeutic elements, aspects of disordered eating, inhibitors of change and influencing factors. The findings highlight the value and necessity of the humanistic approaches when working with disordered eating, allowing flexibility and client autonomy. The study thus bridges the gap and offers greater understanding of working therapeutically with disordered eating. Suggestions for further research are outlined and include focusing on traumatic experiences as well as humanistic approaches that are under-researched in regard to disordered eating.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

ma

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Junkanc, Agata

• BF Seicoleg

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3927