Table 2.

The thematic development illustrating key stages when themes were changed (details and content from each stage is available from the primary author)

Themes 1	Themes 2	Themes 3		Themes 4	Themes 5
Descriptions of acute change after sessions	Understanding of illness and healing	Bio psychosocial impact and outcomes of healing	New Interview Schedule Generated (see Additional file 1)	Perception of Healing	Understanding and expectations of Healing
Descriptions of acute change during sessions	Preparation for sessions	Bio psychosocial impact of illness on patient		Bio-psychosocial impact of illness on the patient
Symptom changes	Immersing in the Healing environment	Preparation, experiences and reflection on healing		Experiences and reflection on healing	Experiences and reflection on Healing
Factors attributed to the illness	Transference			Impact and outcome of healing	Impact and outcome of Healing
Cognitive changes
Searching
Perception of healing
Getting used to healing
Understanding the disease