Eating Disorder Research

Introduction: The personal style of the therapist includes the dispositions, traits, and attitudes that therapists bring into their

professional practice. Research has shown that both the professional and personal characteristics of therapists can significantly influence treatment outcomes. In Ireland, there is limited research on therapists’ personal style and its relationship to their cultural backgrounds.

This study aims to:

1. Describe the theoretical orientation, years of experience, academic qualifications, and personal style of psychotherapists practicing in Ireland.

2. Investigate whether differences exist in the Personal Style of the Therapist based on varying theoretical and cultural backgrounds.

Methods

Participants:

The study involved psychotherapists and counselors practicing in Ireland, with a diverse representation of therapeutic orientations and cultural backgrounds.

Instruments:

• The PST-Q (Fernández-Álvarez et al., 2003) was designed as a self-report measure designed to assess the unique personal characteristics therapists bring into the therapeutic setting. The PST-Q evaluates multiple dimensions of a therapist’s style, such as emotional expressiveness, involvement with clients, and adaptability in treatment approaches. This questionnaire allows researchers and clinicians to systematically examine how these stylistic traits impact therapeutic outcomes,

• ·Sociodemographic survey: citizenship, primary language, theoretical approach, profesional certification, clients per week, cultural background

·Procedure

Data collection was conducted online, with the questionnaire distributed to psychotherapy centers and professional psychological associations across Ireland.

The Personal Style of the Therapist (PST) significantly influences therapeutic interactions and outcomes, as it shapes how therapists engage with clients. • PST dimensions, such as Expressiveness (emotional closeness) and Involvement (commitment), correlate with positive client engagement and outcomes.

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