Psychotherapeutic physical space plan, defined by model ‘enabling spaces’

Abstract

In my study of physical space for psychotherapeutic work I refer to the concept enabling spa­ces, which derives from the theory of extended situated cognition in cognitive science. The concept is based on establishing the fundamental elements and core-processes in psychotherapy in the sense of basic qualities and patterns. Through qualitative research with both patients and therapists it was concluded that basic quality is trust, which emerges if all other qualities - safety, privacy, understanding and acceptance - are present. From this it is than possible to create a space that is fundamentally strong and promotes well-being in patients and therapists. This research presents specific results from qualitative research and presents a new plan of innovative physical space, which can be helpful for therapists when planning their work.