Abstract
M.Tech.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and describe the experiences of the
somatology therapist from which guidelines for the self-management of therapists within
private somatology practices were described. The guidelines were derived from the two
research questions: "How do therapists experience self-management during their daily
practices?" and "What can be done to improve the self-management of therapists within
private somatology practices?"
A descriptive, exploratory and contextual qualitative design was used with the underlying
philosophy of an Appreciative Inquiry. The accessible population consisted of therapists
(N=15) practicing in six private somatology practices in the Pretoria-North region.
Purposeful sampling was used in this study. The data collection was conducted by means
of individual semi-structured interviews and field notes. The question was formulated by
means of Appreciative Inquiry guidelines. A pilot interview was conducted with one
participant that served as the preparation for the study. Tesch's Method of data analysis
was used to identify themes and sub-themes. The Model of Lincoln and Guba was used
to ensure that trustworthiness and ethical considerations were maintained throughout the
process. Informed consent was given by the private somatology clinic and therapists.