Conference Agenda

In an era of global changes and mental health challenges, qualitative researchers strive to reflect the emerging realities in their areas of inquiry. In my doctoral research, I used the concept of relational space, which includes human and non-human elements, verbal and non-verbal interactions, emotions, embodied responses... and more. The exploration of relational space also takes into consideration the environment and systems in which we live and function. As a systemic practitioner researcher, I explore the intricate interplay of the relational space that emerges in the conversation between client and therapist and the relational space of the different voices that emerge within the therapist. Through the use of reflexive writing, I focus on the relational conversation between my client and myself, as well as my inner dialogue and thoughts and feelings. In a way, I create a professionally employable space for the personal. The collaborative dialogue between these relational spaces creates relational ripples, which in turn open up possibilities and generate transformative practices in the psychotherapy process.

In this Dream Team session, participants will have the opportunity to engage in experiential exercises to explore the relational space in therapy, both the relational space between client and therapist and within the therapist. They will experiment with ways of using reflexive writing as a methodological tool, applicable and useful to practitioners who need to respond to current mental health challenges. Through the use of reflexive writing and collaborative discussion, participants will deepen their understanding on the impact of their own relational space in the therapeutic encounter and how the interconnectedness of relational space between client and therapist and within the therapist encourages collaboration and dialogue in the therapy room. In the end of the Dream Team session, participants will produce a collective writing, which will reflect the joint efforts of the team to create relational ripples and will showcase the interconnectedness of our relational spaces.