Application of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis methodology in psychotherapy impact research: Experience of psychotherapy of a person with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Psychotherapy’s impact and effectiveness have been explored through the use of quantitative research methods such as standardised inventories and scales measuring mainly behavioural and overt aspects of the psychotherapeutic encounter and symptom reduction. Nonetheless, change in psychotherapy is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon, requiring open-ended investigation to reveal the beneficial factors that are part of the process. This paper will demonstrate how Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) can be applied in studying the psychotherapy process’s favourable aspects from the client’s perspective. We argue that IPA’s epistemological underpinnings and methods for collecting and analysing data can contribute to the study of psychotherapy’s impact. A case of a woman confronting the challenges of multiple sclerosis and illness symptomatology by undergoing psychodynamic psychotherapy is presented and analysed drawing on IPA guidelines.