‘It just makes you think a bit differently’ – using visual, play-based research methods to explore social workers’ experiences of empathy within practice

This paper presents the author’s experience of using a visual, play-based research method using sand trays, within interpretative phenomenological research to explore social workers’ lived experiences of empathy within their practice with children and families. The research design draws on the author’s experience as a play therapist and social worker to inform the research method, anticipating that using symbols to create a visual representation of their experience will support participants in their exploration and understanding of the phenomenon of empathy. The research was conducted with 17 participants across three distinct cohorts – newly qualified workers, experienced workers, social work supervisors. A process of visual data analysis is used alongside interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to identify key themes from the research data. Examples of the visual data are presented to illustrate key themes from the research and to highlight the value of using visual, play-based methods within phenomenological research. Research themes include social workers’ empathic understanding and communication; the role of embodied empathy and felt emotions; balancing empathy and authority within social work. The benefits and limitations of the research methodology are explored and the implications for further use of play-based methods within research are considered.