ABSTRACT

In this study we explored helpful and unhelpful processes in psychological therapy for women with a diagnosis of substance use disorder (SUD). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight women, seven of whom were white; and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes emerged: What words can’t express – finding another language, Identification with my therapist, and Getting towards acceptance. Emerging clinical implications are that therapists should consider strategies for helping clients with SUD “de-shame”; and be willing to challenge their resistance and avoidance from an empathic, accepting, and professional standpoint. Creative methods may help clients to identify and express their feelings, while the availability of therapists with their own histories of recovery may support hope and change.

摘要

在这项研究中，我们探讨了对诊断为物质使用障碍 (SUD) 的女性进行心理治疗时有帮助和无帮助的过程。对八名女性进行了半结构化访谈，其中七名是白人；并使用解释现象学分析进行分析。出现了三个最重要的主题：无法用语言表达的东西——寻找另一种语言，认同我的治疗师，以及走向接受。新出现的临床意义是，治疗师应该考虑帮助患有 SUD 的来访者“消除羞耻感”的策略；并愿意从移情、接受和专业的角度挑战他们的抵制和回避。创造性的方法可以帮助客户识别和表达他们的感受，而具有自己康复历史的治疗师的可用性可以支持希望和改变。