Abstract
M. A.
In an attempt to identify the process of co-creation in therapy, a Q-sort was compiled and
given to subjects at Phoenix House rehabilitation centre in Johannesburg (n =24). Subjects
comprised of therapists, in-patients and out-patients. The methodology chosen enables the
researcher to extract shared attitudes and points of view by combining the responses of those
who identify with a similar perspective. These attitudes, known as Factors, are statistically
constructed and reflected as responses to the original questionnaire.
Phoenix House, it is argued, can be described through the use of systems theory and social
constructionist theory. Five factors (points of view) are identified which correspond with five
constructions about Phoenix House and the therapy which takes place there. Of the five
factors, two emerge as primary, one comprised mainly of the therapists' perspectives; one of
patients' perspectives. Although these two factors are seen as different in terms of content,
they are both shown to reflect the idea that connecting with another is of significant
importance in the therapeutic process. The concept of mapping of another's realities is
discussed, and it is suggested that merely acknowledging that realities are different is not
sufficient. Sometimes it is possible to look beyond the obvious differences and find similarities
in terms of how people connect with each other in therapy.
Factors B and E (the two primary attitudes labelled 'internal' and 'external' respectively) are
both shown to place the idea of mutual contact (therapist with patient) as very important,
albeit from two very different perspectives. While B (predominantly therapists) is concerned
with internal connections and processes, E (predominantly patients) is concerned with
tangible connections and what one can actually do. The language that they use separates
them, but they are joined in terms of function.
Of the remaining three factors, one is discarded due to statistical non-significance and one is
seen as slightly similar to Factor E. The fifth (Factor D) is also highlighted as it expresses the
idea that patients must be cured through being passive recipients of therapy. Both Factors B
and E express the notion of active participation in therapy being required from both parties.