Psychotherapists' experiences of using the sequentially planned integrative counselling for children model

[摘要] English: Every day, a large number of South African children are exposed to risk factors despite human rights assuming a prominent role in our country‟s constitution. Epidemiological studies indicate that approximately one in five children suffer from a mental disorder which often persists into adulthood. As mental health problems pose major risks for public health, childhood and adolescent mental health services assume a central role in reducing mental disorders. Early childhood intervention is therefore deemed essential and the need for therapeutic approaches to treat childhood mental disorders effectively have been highlighted.The most contemporary notion in working with children therapeutically includes selecting from an array of practice methods in order to attain the best possible outcomes in the most economical way. An example of an integrative model that draws on various therapeutic approaches is the Sequentially Planned Integrative Counselling for Children (SPICC) model. This model integrates diverse theoretical frameworks and practical strategies belonging to various other well-established psychotherapeutic approaches with its associated theory of change. These approaches include Client-Centred Psychotherapy, Gestalt Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Behaviour Therapy. An extensive review of the literature on the SPICC model produced limited published articles on research conducted internationally; with no published articles in South Africa.To fill the gap in the literature, the aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of South African psychotherapists using the SPICC model to counsel children. A qualitative multiple case study approach was chosen to elicit complex and rich descriptions made by the participants on their experiences of using the model. Three participants were recruited by means of purposeful sampling. Data was collected through individual research interviews and participants�?reflections. From the data analysis six main themes emerged: 1) the SPICC model enhances psychotherapists�?conceptualisation skills; 2) help clients faster; 3) the SPICC model requires and raises awareness of a therapeutic process; 4) the SPICC model enriches personal experiences; 5) the SPICC model‟s applicability within the South African context and 6) critique against the SPICC model.By describing participants�?experiences, this study aimed to address the paucity of South African research on using the SPICC model in child therapy. The insights gained from the research findings highlighted the SPICC model‟s applicability to the South African context, as well as its potential to be used by novice psychotherapists. The research findings have crucial implications for psychotherapists who counsel children, as well as highereducation professionals who can teach and supervise the SPICC model to students and novice psychotherapists.

[发布机构] University of the Free State