The visible and the invisible: Reflections on secrecy, dehiscence and the gaze of the other in the therapeutic encounter

De Courcier, Scarlett 2024. The visible and the invisible: Reflections on secrecy, dehiscence and the gaze of the other in the therapeutic encounter. British Journal of Psychotherapy 40 (4) , pp. 570-581. 10.1111/bjp.12918

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (133kB)

Abstract

Psychotherapy is broadly concerned with secrets. Often our clients bring us things which they have never told anyone, subjects they have felt unable to broach. What happens in the relationship when a secret is uncovered? In this article, I discuss how one's secrets finally being uncovered can invoke shame. However, the shame of being seen in a new way can also create an opening that allows for a deeper intersubjective experience to unfold. Using Sartre's concept of the gaze of the other alongside Merleau-Ponty's ideas of dehiscence, visibility/invisibility and intertwining, I explore the meaning of secrecy, guilt and shame for both therapist and client within the therapeutic relationship.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	English, Communication and Philosophy
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	0265-9883
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	16 October 2024
Date of Acceptance:	2024
Last Modified:	29 Oct 2024 10:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/172928

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item