Table 4.
The therapists views on experiential knowledge.
| Topic/question emergent themes | N and (%) |
|---|---|
| Does experiential knowledge (from having had an eating disorder)have advantages in therapy? | |
| Yes | N = 26 (100%) |
| No | N = 0 (0%) |
| What kind of advantages? | |
| Patient feels recognized and heard | N = 20 (77%) |
| Therapist has enhanced knowledge and insight into eating disorders | N = 14 (54%) |
| Patient feels less shame | N = 14 (54%) |
| Treatment relationship is more powerful | N = 12 (46%) |
| Patient feels increased sense of hope | N = 11 (42%) |
| Patient feels increase sense of trust | N = 10 (38%) |
| Therapists can be seen as a positive role-model | N = 9 (35%) |
| Patient is more open and honest | N = 7 (27%) |
| Patient feels increased motivation | N = 6 (23%) |
| Treatment relationship is based on equality | N = 5 (19%) |
| Therapist has high empathy | N = 4 (15%) |
| Does having experiential knowledge (from having had an eating disorder) have disadvantages in therapy? | |
| Yes | N = 17 (65%) |
| No | N = 9 (35%) |
| Does using experiential knowledge (from having had an eating disorder) have disadvantages in therapy? | |
| Yes | N = 11 (42%) |
| No | N = 15 (58%) |
| What kind of disadvantages? | |
| Projection/identification | N = 21 (81%) |
| Too much involvement/commitment in therapy from therapist | N = 13 (50%) |
| Why use experiential knowledge during therapeutic sessions? | |
| Providing insight into the recovery process | N = 21 (81%) |
| Establishing a working relationship | N = 13 (50%) |
| Activating/motivating the patient | N = 7 (27%) |
| How far do you go when sharing your own experiences, what do and don’t you share? | |
| What to share is dependent on the patient, the story of the patient and the situation during the session | N = 14 (54%) |
| I don’t tell details about the symptoms | N = 12 (46%) |
| I don’t mention any weights (past lowest weight or current weight) | N = 8 (31%) |
| I don’t tell intimate personal details | N = 5 (19%) |
| What’s important when applying your experiential knowledge in a careful manner? | |
| Self-insight/self-care | N = 16 (62%) |
| Training, guidance and support | N = 14 (54%) |
| Purposefully/functional | N = 8 (31%) |
| Safe work environment | N = 7 (27%) |
| Being recovered long and well enough | N = 4 (15%) |
| What kind of positive reactions? | |
| Reactions regarding recognition and understanding (tension relief, heavy nodding, crying) | N = 26 (100%) |
| Reactions regarding openness (making more eye contact, sharing more) | N = 8 (31%) |
| Reactions regarding hope (patients tell they feel more hope) | N = 5 (19%) |
Note: Percentages are rounded to the nearest percent.