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Regarding Intuition: An Heuristic Journey Into a Psychotherapist’s Experience of Intuition

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Dissertation(1.7 MB)

Date

2018

Authors

Supervisor

Solomon, Margot

Item type

Thesis

Degree name

Master of Health Science

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

Intuition is a well-known concept, however its intangible nature makes it hard to define. Its mystery appears at odds with the scientific view of the world. My research question ‘what is the psychotherapist’s experience of intuition?’ has two points of focus; asking what intuition is and how it sits in our western culture, particularly psychoanalytic culture. These questions are explored via my subjective experience of intuition both personally and professionally as an intuitive psychotherapist. I include an examination of and differentiation from similar phenomena, a review of philosophical and psychoanalytic literature and an examination of the historical and cultural context of the phenomena of intuition. Using a heuristic method and methodology I delve deeply into my subjectivity on an intuitive, creative, existential and systematic journey. I immerse myself in a search for meaning within my subjective experience of intuition via depictions of my personal experience. I explore, analyse and reflect upon my depictions and explicate themes that capture my experience of intuition. I find myself moving from the initial shame of being a ‘bad witch’ with its evil omnipotence and depleted ‘flakiness’, through a split with my intellectual self and finally finding a new freedom from self-persecution and the resulting trust in my sense of self, allowing a less inhibited and somewhat mystical connection with the other. It was important to explore the familial, cultural and historical context of my research to gain understanding about whether my experience was unique or had elements of universality. This resulted in an examination of the regard for intuition in the context of our positivistic culture. The themes illuminated implications for psychotherapeutic clinical practice and psychotherapy training institutes about the need to examine how our culture may influence and inhibit our experience and use of intuition.

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Keywords

Intuition, Heuristic, Positivism, Psychotherapy

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Permanent link

https://hdl.handle.net/10292/11506

Collections

Masters Theses