Multiple intelligences and therapeutic alliances

291 Pages·2015·2.19 MB·English

University of Notre Dame Australia
ResearchOnline@ND
Theses
2014
Multiple intelligences and therapeutic alliances: Counsellors' experiences of
incorporating a multiple intelligence approach to counselling
Mark Pearson
University of Notre Dame Australia
Follow this and additional works at:http://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses
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Publication Details
Pearson, M. (2014). Multiple intelligences and therapeutic alliances: Counsellors' experiences of incorporating a multiple intelligence
approach to counselling (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)). University of Notre Dame Australia.http://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses/
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Multiple intelligences and therapeutic alliances:
Counsellors’ experiences of incorporating a
multiple intelligence approach to counselling.

Thesis by publication
Submitted for the degree
Doctor of Philosophy

2014

Mark Pearson
Dip. T., MEd. (BEM)
School of Arts & Sciences
Discipline of Counselling
University of Notre Dame Australia
Pearson: Multiple Intelligences & Therapeutic Alliances

Statement of Authorship

I affirm that this thesis contains no material previously published or written by
another person, except where due reference is made in the thesis, and that it contains
no work which the student has previously presented for an award of the University or
any other educational institution.

Contributions by others to the articles that constitute the body of this thesis are listed
on page 12, with details of their contributions in Appendix G - p. 244.

Mark Pearson
January 20, 2014

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Pearson: Multiple Intelligences & Therapeutic Alliances

Table of Contents

List of tables 6

Abstract 7
List of publications included as part of this thesis 8
Conference presentations based on this study 10
Statement of contribution by others 12
Acknowledgements 13

Introduction 14
Terms used within the study 18
Background and context 19
The intervention 20
Significance of the study 21
Statement of aims 22
Research questions 23
How the papers are linked 25

Chapter One: 28
Multiple intelligences and the therapeutic alliance: Incorporating multiple intelligence
theory and practice in counselling

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Pearson: Multiple Intelligences & Therapeutic Alliances

Chapter Two: 47
Changing views of theory and practice in counselling: Multiple intelligences,
eclecticism and the therapeutic alliance

Chapter Three:
Research methods 70
Ethical Issues 90

Chapter Four: 96
Therapeutic alliances in short-term counselling.

Chapter Five: 127
Multiple intelligences training for counsellors: Reflections on a pilot program

Chapter Six: 153
Using multiple intelligences to complement meaning reconstruction with bereaved
parents. An analysis of three case reports

Chapter Seven: 179
A multiple intelligences approach to counselling: Enhancing alliances with a focus on
strengths.

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Pearson: Multiple Intelligences & Therapeutic Alliances

Chapter Eight:
Pre- and post-intervention theme comparisons 209
Implications for counsellor education 218
Further research 221
Limitations 223
Conclusion 223

Afterword
Is there an intelligence profile for the counselling profession? 226

Appendices
A: Semi-structured interview schedules 232
B: Multiple intelligences preference survey (MIS) 234
C: The MI training intervention program 237
D: Reflecting on your experience of the MI training 239
E: Consent Form 241
F: Information Letter 242
G: Statement of contribution by others 244
H: Permissions from publishers 245

References 246
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Pearson: Multiple Intelligences & Therapeutic Alliances

List of Tables

Table 1: Summary of research strategy 80

Table 2: The stages of interpretative phenomenological analysis 88

Table 3: Ethical issues in the research methodology 94

Table 4: Summary of major alliance themes from participants 125

Table 5: Summary of themes from bereavement work 174

Table 6: Themes on using a MI approach to counselling 206

Table 7: Intelligence preference scores for 86 Australian counsellors 229

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Pearson: Multiple Intelligences & Therapeutic Alliances

Abstract

Counselling clients display many ways of reflecting and communicating
within therapy. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (MI), while
applied widely in the field of education, has only recently been applied to
the field of counselling, and has the potential to support flexible responses
to client’s different styles. In this study, counsellor experiences with
introducing a MI approach to counselling are investigated. A focus on the
impact of MI on therapeutic alliances is highlighted as therapeutic
connection has been shown to contribute significantly to positive therapy
outcomes. Recent research highlights the positive impact from modifying
treatment in response to individual client needs and interests, and this has
led to emerging interest in eclectic practice. Gaining information on
clients’ preferred intelligences, or natural strengths, enhances counsellors’
ability to tailor treatment to individual needs and abilities, and can provide
a meta-theory to underpin eclectic practice.

This qualitative enquiry utilised semi-structured interview technique to
gather data before, and three months after, a multiple intelligence training
intervention. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretive
Phenomenological Analysis, which produced a number of major themes
representative of counsellors’ experiences with a MI approach to
counselling. It is hypothesised that the results will provide contributions
that enhance the training, practice and supervision of counsellors.

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Pearson: Multiple Intelligences & Therapeutic Alliances

List of Publications Included as Part of this Thesis

The body of this dissertation is built on six articles, either published in peer-
reviewed journals or under peer review by journals, during the student’s PhD
candidacy. These articles communicate the literature background, core theoretical
frameworks, research methodology used, and findings of several stages of this
project. Published articles have had the benefit of integrating peer-reviewer feedback.
Some articles were prepared for American journals, and hence use American spelling.
The reader will become aware of the repetition necessary for each article to provide
adequate context. Abstracts have been removed in accordance with University policy.

Co-authorship of articles in Chapters Two, Four, and Seven is with the
researcher’s two main supervisors, and the article in Chapter Six is co-authored with
to one of the project participants. The articles are:

Chapter One:
Pearson, M. (2011). Multiple intelligences and the therapeutic alliance: Incorporating
multiple intelligence theory and practice in counselling. European Journal of
Psychotherapy & Counselling, 13(3), 263-278. doi: 10.1080/13642537.2011.596725

Chapter Two:
Pearson, M., & O’Brien, P. (2012). Changing views of theory and practice in
counselling: Multiple intelligences, eclecticism and the therapeutic alliance.
Psychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia, 1(1), online at:
http://pacja.org.au/?p=465
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Pearson: Multiple Intelligences & Therapeutic Alliances

Chapter Four:
Pearson, M., & Bulsara, C. (under review). Therapeutic alliances in short-term
counselling. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling
Submitted 22/9/13; revised with reviewer comments incorporated, and re-submitted
12/10/2013

Chapter Five:
Pearson, M. (under review). Multiple intelligences training for counselors:
Reflections on a pilot program. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health
Submitted 1/3/2013; revised with reviewer comments incorporated, and re-submitted
24/10/13

Chapter Six:
Pearson, M., & Hamilton, F. (under review). Using multiple intelligences to
complement meaning reconstruction with bereaved parents. An analysis of three case
reports. Australian Journal of Guidance & Counselling
Submitted 22/3/2013

Chapter Seven:
Pearson, M., O’Brien, P., & Bulsara, C. (under review). A multiple intelligences
approach to counselling: Enhancing alliances with a focus on strengths. Journal of
Psychotherapy Integration
Submitted 27/11/2013

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