Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
A Final Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Diploma Program in
Process Work, Process Work Institute, Portland, OR
Local notes
http://www.processwork.org/files/Finalprojects/Wagner_K_May_2007.pdf
ABSTRACT
This thesis explores the experience of non-sexual multiple role relationships within the Process Work learning community of Portland, Oregon. It presents a continuum of viewpoints on multiple role relationships, including dominant, alternative and Process Work orientations. Adopting an interpretive, qualitative approach to research, within a cooperative inquiry framework (Bray, Lee, Smith & Yorks, 2000; Reason & Heron, 1999), this study aims to understand more deeply how individuals with various roles in the Process Work community (formal and informal students, local and long-distance, and diplomates with various degrees of seniority) view and experience multiple role relationships from their own perspectives. The study includes a series of meetings, in which members explored personal multiple role relationship experiences as well as those occurring within the group. Thematic findings illustrate that members experienced multiple role relationships as both challenging and successful. Problematic aspects include silence, multiple shifting identities, evaluation,
rank and power, and transitional and therapeutic relationships. Benefits address the areas of personal development, integrated learning, professional opportunities, expanded roles and relationships, and sources of support. Outcomes point toward skills and metaskills useful in the effective negotiation of multiple role relationships. Implications and recommendations for the Process Work community, development of training curriculum, and the broader psychotherapeutic field are also discussed, as well as directions for further research.
ABSTRACT
This thesis explores the experience of non-sexual multiple role relationships within the Process Work learning community of Portland, Oregon. It presents a continuum of viewpoints on multiple role relationships, including dominant, alternative and Process Work orientations. Adopting an interpretive, qualitative approach to research, within a cooperative inquiry framework (Bray, Lee, Smith & Yorks, 2000; Reason & Heron, 1999), this study aims to understand more deeply how individuals with various roles in the Process Work community (formal and informal students, local and long-distance, and diplomates with various degrees of seniority) view and experience multiple role relationships from their own perspectives. The study includes a series of meetings, in which members explored personal multiple role relationship experiences as well as those occurring within the group. Thematic findings illustrate that members experienced multiple role relationships as both challenging and successful. Problematic aspects include silence, multiple shifting identities, evaluation,
rank and power, and transitional and therapeutic relationships. Benefits address the areas of personal development, integrated learning, professional opportunities, expanded roles and relationships, and sources of support. Outcomes point toward skills and metaskills useful in the effective negotiation of multiple role relationships. Implications and recommendations for the Process Work community, development of training curriculum, and the broader psychotherapeutic field are also discussed, as well as directions for further research.