Creative Methods in Phenomenology: Ecomaps, Poetry and Plays with Dr Liz Jestico

In this episode of The Phenomenology Collective, we explore one of the most exciting—and unsettling—spaces in phenomenological research: the use of creative methods.Without a fixed “how-to” guide, phenomenological researchers are often required to think carefully—and creatively—about how to access and represent lived experience. But how far can we go? And how do we ensure that creativity remains grounded in phenomenological philosophy?We’re joined by Dr Liz Jestico, whose work in children’s nursing uses innovative approaches including ecomaps, poetry, and even structuring a thesis as a play. Together, we explore how these methods can deepen our engagement with lived experience, opening up new ways of seeing, understanding, and communicating meaning.This episode unpacks:Why phenomenology resists step-by-step methodsHow creative approaches can enrich (and complicate) researchThe tension between imagination and rigourWhat it means to stay “close” to lived experienceHow writing, art, and poetry can become part of the analytic processWe also reflect on the emotional and ethical dimensions of this work, including the responsibility of representing others’ experiences with care.Whether you’re a doctoral researcher, practitioner-scholar, or simply curious about phenomenology, this episode offers both reassurance and challenge: uncertainty isn’t a problem to solve—it’s part of the work.