Letter writing to pupils: an approach used to develop a therapeutic alliance with pupils?

Craven, Laura 2013. Letter writing to pupils: an approach used to develop a therapeutic alliance with pupils? DEdPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

The current research explores the use of letter writing to pupils as a tool within educational psychology practice to develop and enhance the therapeutic alliance. The research aims to explore the theoretical approaches underpinning the letters written by EPs, and pupil perceptions. Semi-structured interviews were used with both parties. The interviews were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Strong themes of personal, task and goal alliance emerged from both EP and pupil interviews, suggesting that letter writing is an effective tool to contribute towards the development and enhancement of a therapeutic alliance. Correlated themes such as the ‘process of change’ and the ‘power of the written’ word were also found between both groups. EP letters are not underpinned by a specific theoretical framework but reflect an eclectic and holistic use of psychology. EPs reported that they are more likely to write to older, more able pupils with Social, Emotional and Behavioural difficulties (SEBD). Pupils generally reported positive outcomes from receiving a letter. Implications for practice, with regards to the use of letters, are discussed.

Item Type:	Thesis (DEdPsy)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Letter Writing; Therapeutic alliance; Educational psychology; Ethical implications; Personal alliance; Task and goal alliance
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2016 23:26
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/51802

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