Knowing from the Inside

Lynn Froggett (University of Central Lancashire) and Noreen Giffney (Ulster University) discuss their development of theoretical-experiential methodologies, which are underpinned by psychoanalysis and psychosocial studies: the Visual Matrix (Froggett) and the Cultural Encounters Case Study Method (Giffney). Both work theoretically and experientially with cultural experiences, for example, art, film, literature and music. They explore what it means to have an experience and the place of theory in enabling people to reflect upon it. The emphasis is on how to facilitate people developing the capacity for self-awareness and self-reflectivity, which is central to both clinical psychoanalysis and psychosocial studies.