An exploration of the value of a specific wellbeing targeted approach in supporting clients presenting with low mood/depression in therapeutic practice
Patsy McSharry
Citation: McSharry, P. (2024). An exploration of the value of a specific wellbeing targeted approach in supporting clients presenting with low mood/depression in therapeutic practice. European Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 8, 4, 1-14. https://www.nationalwellbeingservice.org/volumes/volume-8-2024/volume-8-article-4/
Processing dates: Submitted 21 October 2023; Resubmitted 16 January 2024; Accepted 5 April 2024; Published 1 June 2024
Abstract
Aim: The current study set out to explore the value of a specific wellbeing targeted approach in supporting clients presenting with low mood/depression in therapeutic practice.
Methodology: A qualitative approach in the form of phenomenological in-depth interviewing with six experienced therapists was utilized.
Analysis: Thematic content analysis resulted in the revelation of four themes and eight sub themes.
Findings: Theme 1 revealed that ‘Wellbeing’ was seen as a broad multidimensional term with acknowledgement that its’ association with workplace wellbeing initiatives may have somewhat diluted its application as a therapeutic intervention. Theme 2 revealed that respondents preferred the use of the term ‘low mood’ as opposed to depression seeing this as less deterministic and more amenable to change. Theme 3 revealed that respondents could more readily see the application of some dimensions of the wheel more than others e.g., relationship with self and self-acceptance, mental and emotional health. Dimensions of ‘positive emotions’,’ positive relationships’ and ‘accomplishments’ were less readily applied due to therapist concern about dismissing negative emotions and invoking feelings of inadequacy in clients. Theme 4 revealed that respondents could see the value of the application of such a tool as a useful guiding checklist for holistic wellbeing, an educational tool for therapists and other disciplines, a possible aid to psychoeducation or as a guide for therapists’ self-care.
Recommendations: These included ‘refinement of proposed tool based on findings, ‘design and delivery of an educational wellbeing training workshop for therapists’, ‘creation of a client specific tool’ and ‘further research to test the value of the refined model’.
Conclusion: The writer concludes that the value of the use of such a tool in a variety of therapeutic settings shows real promise, particularly after refinement based on study findings.
Keywords: Wellbeing, Therapy, Depression, Low Mood, Positive Psychotherapy
Biography
Patsy McSharry is a Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the MHSc/PGDip in Community Mental Health Nursing Programme and Lecturer on MHSc/PGDip in Applied Health Coaching
Programme, School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies, Atlantic Technological University, St Angelas, Lough Gill, Co. Sligo, Ireland.
Email: Patsy.McSharry@atu.ie
She is also a self-employed Wellbeing Coaching Therapist
Website: www.patsymcsharry.com
https://orcid.org/00-0003-0675-7867