The Use of Clean Space to Facilitate a “Stuck” Client – a Case Study

Journal Title: Journal of Experiential Psychotherapy - Year 2017, Vol 20, Issue 4

Abstract

Introduction: This paper consists of a case study of a spatially-based therapeutic approach, Clean Space, which facilitates a client through a “stuck” state. The study situates “clean” approaches within the context of mental space and metaphor research, outlines the method, and provides a full transcript of a session, explanatory commentary and client feedback. Objectives: This case study aims at showing how the Clean Space approach can successfully facilitate a client’s endeavor to create the conditions for the emergence of a novel resolution to their problematic state without any content-related interpretation and only with process interventions coming from the therapist. Methods: The Clean Space approach. Results: The session described in this study demonstrates how the client uses physical space and multiple perspectives to work through a long-standing problematic perception which they defined as “stuck”. The evidence for change is reported by the client at the end of the session and by the feedback she provided one and four months later. Conclusions: Clean Space enables the client to use the interplay of physical and mental space, to externalize her thoughts, feelings, metaphors and symbolic perceptions thereby engaging her creativity in an emergent change process. It also shows how the therapist keeps his presence to a minimum, and his language “clean”, i.e. free of his own assumptions, interpretations and metaphors.

Authors and Affiliations

James Lawley, Alexandru Ioan Manea

Keywords

Related Articles

mBIT as an Experiential Coaching and Therapeutic Approach in Stress Management and Resilience Building – a series of case studies

Introduction: This paper discusses using an mBraining approach in the management of stress, including building longer term resilience in order to avoid ongoing problems and recurrence of prior symptoms. By the provision...

The Impact of Miscarriage on the Subsequent Pregnancy: Thematic Analysis

Introduction: The impact of spontaneous miscarriage on the psychological state of mind of the women who went through this experience has recently become increasingly important, getting more and more in the focus of speci...

Perspectives Regarding the Optimization of the Recreational Skills in Young Adults: Intervention Program Contribution

Abstract Introduction: the purpose of this research is to study the stance of the young adults on the recreational therapies and on spending spare time, as well as to help them realise the degree of risk to which they ex...

A Clinical and Projective Approach to the Mourning Process in the Family System

Introduction: This study focuses on the bereavement process that is understood as the loss of a family member, by presenting the way mourning is experienced and processed in the family system layout. When someone passes...

Journal of Experiential Psychotherapy, vol. 11, no. 4 (44), December 2008

Vol. 11, no. 4 (44), December 2008: see more at http://jep.ro/en/2008

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP245524
  • DOI -
  • Views 108
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

James Lawley, Alexandru Ioan Manea (2017). The Use of Clean Space to Facilitate a “Stuck” Client – a Case Study. Journal of Experiential Psychotherapy, 20(4), 62-70. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-245524