bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rogers Interview
Authors: Hobbs Tony
Published: January 2023

Beginning his therapeutic life in a child guidance centre. Carl Rogers soon recognized that application of a mechanistic approach to therapy did not adequately meet the needs of the people referred to him. He learned instead that he could help these people most by providing a safe atmosphere in which they could make therapeutic advances. Careful scientific study of the nature of this relationship highlighted the contribution to the therapeutic process made by certain core conditions present in the approach of the therapist. These conditions, and other important aspects of client-centred therapy, are fully described elsewhere (Rogers, 1951, 1961, 1986a). The development of client-centred therapy has had a tremendous impact on the philosophy and practice of psychotherapy, in the development of the encounter group movement (Rogers 1970), in education (Rogers, 1969, 1983), marital and couples relationships (Rogers, 1973), and in the politics of personal relationships (Rogers, 1978, 1980). The impact of this approach to working with people has been so pervasive that it has now become known simply as the ‘person-centred’ approach.
Book reviews
Authors: Didsbury Pat
Published: January 2023

Review of Counselling: The Skills of Problem Solving by Anne Munro, Bob Mathei and John Small.
Book reviews
Authors: Taylor Maye
Published: January 2023

Review of Jocasta’s Children: The Imprint of the Mother by Christiane Oliver.
Encountering Carl Rogers
Authors: Hobbs Tony
Published: January 2023

Carl Rogers was indisputably one of the most important influences in the field of counselling psychology and psychotherapy; his work has had a broad impact on both the personal and professional lives of people globally. His work was received reticently by established academic and practising psychologists. Roger related this to the threat posed by the essentially democratic philosophy of his work and orientation which stresses the importance of the individual’s personal freedom of expression and choice, which docs not fit easily with the models adopted by many professional experts! As his theoretical formulations became supported by quality research, many professionals began to recognis,e the validity of his findings - yet in certain areas of psychological practice in the UK recognition of the value of his work still appears to be frowned upon - probably nowhere more so than in the practice of clinical psychology in this country. This is indeed puzzling as Carl Rogers, apart from being the first counselling psychologist, was the most influential clinical psychologist the world has ever known. In America the importance of his contributions was eventually recognized and he received the most distinguished awards of American psychology.
Counselling Psychology: Polytechnic of East London MSc Course
Authors: Edgerton Nick
Published: January 2023

The Department of Psychology at PEL, is one of the largest psychology departments in Britain. It employs about 35 academic staff. There are three courses leading to BPS recognized psychology first degrees. There are four masters’ degrees: occupational, clinical, educational and now counselling psychology. There are also two postgraduate diploma courses in guidance and counselling.
Counselling in obsessions
Authors: Proud Noel R.
Published: January 2023

In compulsive behaviour the individual engages in stereotyped and ritualized behaviour which, during performance, tends to reduce anxiety. As anxiety is reduced, the behaviour ceases. Anxiety often returns soon after cessation. In obsessional behaviour the individual holds a belief or beliefs which he or she knows to be absurd but which form an integral part of that individual’s life and behaviour. Both of these conditions can interfere with the person’s ability to live his or her life. The division between the two can blur; such distinctions can be less than helpful in that they tend to focus attention on a “condition” rather than encouraging the examination of the origins of behaviour and a constructive approach to alternatives which the individual can utilize in order to restructure his or her style of living.
Counselling in a Therapeutic Community
Authors: Wright Sylvia
Published: January 2023

Very few people would immediately associate the profession of counselling with the administration of a large Victorian house which is home for 12 adults. But this “three-quarters-way” house is the workplace of Bernard Widlake, whom I recently met at a BPS Counselling Group meeting. I was struck by the way his counselling skills are being applied in what to me seems an unusual setting, and he invited me to visit him there.
Confrontation: A Case Study
Authors: Broadbent David E.
Published: January 2023

Hammond (1977) calls it confrontation. Egan (1986), on the other hand, calls it challenging, whereas Ellis [1975, 1977) - cited by Drydcn and Golden 1986J, Dryden (1988) and Beck (1989) call il disputing. Whatever the label affixed to the skills that enables a helper either to correct misinformation the client has about his “problem situation” (Egan 1986) or to develop new perspectives and implement new strategies for its solution, seems to me not to matter one jot. Nevertheless, in the interests of clarity it will be helpful to look at the literature a little closer.
Book Reviews
Authors: Bacha Claire
Published: January 2023

Review ofUnderstanding Women in Distressby Pamela Ashurst, Zaida Hall et al.
Book Reviews
Authors: Didsbury Pat
Published: January 2023

Review ofPsychodynamic Counselling in Actionby Michael Jacobs.
Book Reviews
Authors: Eynon T. E. P.
Published: January 2023

Review ofGroup Work: A Humanistic Approachby Urania Glassman and Len Kates.
Rogers is a Post-Freudian?
Authors: Williams D. I.
Published: January 2023

Rogers’ theory of personality necessarily requires a tripartite division of self (with self-actualization as the driving force). The structure of his theory is thus identical to that of Freud. Rogers is shown to be a dynamic theorist. The analysis is presented to demonstrate the confused state of contemporary counselling theory.
High Risk Ptsd Candidates
Authors: Kinchin David
Published: January 2023

A handful of situations are so terrible that the people involved develop a constellation of emotional symptoms known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Disorder is the result of facing a sudden, potentially life-threatening situation - an event beyond the range of normal human experience - an event over which there is no control. PTSD is the normal human response to an abnormal traumatic event.
Book Reviews
Authors: Taylor Maye , Parker Ian
Published: January 2023

Reviews ofDon’t Panic. Responding to incidents of young people’s drug abuseby Julian Cohen and James Kay,Feminist Perspective in Therapy. An empowerment model for womenby Judith Worell and Pam Remer andTherapy as a Social Constructionedited by Sheila McNamee and Kenneth J. Gergen.
Hypnosis in Counselling
Authors: Hawkins Peter J.
Published: January 2023

The popular view of hypnosis, which has its origins in the work and ideas of Mesmer, Braid and other nine-teenth century hypnotists, is that it is a specially induced trance state in which the individual loses, to a greater or lesser degree, their critical faculties. In essence, this means that there is a depotentiation of their logical and conscious mind which allows the unconscious mind to become dominant The person is then able to be more creative because the constraints imposed by the “logical” mind are minimized. In this case the individual is more suggestible than normally. For example, someone with chronic and intractable pain, whose normal state of reason and logic would prevent them from believing that the pain could be resolved (in whatever way), could in the “trance” state take a therapeutic suggestion (provided by the therapist) that the pain could be given away to a friendly animal for safe-keeping. The latter action is not logical or reasonable but, given a well-motivated client, can be accepted during a state of trance with very good therapeutic outcomes (Jaffe and Bresler, 1980).
Theoretical Paper: A trainee counselling psychologist’s considerations in CBT-informed practice with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Authors: Chahal Parneet Kaur
Published: January 2023

Content and Focus

This paper has emerged from my experience and developing practice of working integratively with survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It aims to raise key considerations to make in practicing from a CBT-informed rather than a CBT-led perspective with survivors.

Conclusions

It argues for the centrality of the therapeutic relationship as a foundation within which all therapeutic work occurs with survivors. It advocates practitioners to strive for a balance between process-led and client-led integrative choices in therapy and emphasises the importance of safe trauma practice through developing the survivors’ functional coping strategies before calling forth traumatic memories. Contributions and limitations of a CBT approach with survivors are discussed, and building integrative practices with different traditions as a goal for counselling psychologists is encouraged.
Dialogues and Debates APA Convention 2013
Authors: Martin Peter
Published: January 2023

I was privileged to be invited to present a short paper in a symposium on ‘embracing multiculturalism’ at the APA Convention in Honolulu last August. Of course, I learned much more than I taught just by being there. Multiculturalism in Hawaii as a society really works because there is no choice. There are so many constituents to the state that there is no such thing as a minority. I was transfixed, not by a clichéd ‘melting pot’, but by a Mondrian-like assemblage of difference, complementarity, dissonance, proud individuality, and by an overall spiky but real integration.
Dialogues and Debates IAPT and thoughtcrime: Language, bureaucracy and the evidence-based regime
Authors: Rizq Rosemary
Published: January 2023

This article is based on the text of a talk given at a conference on the future of counselling and psychotherapy organised by the Alliance for Counselling and Psychotherapy in December 2012. The full text appears in Therapy Today, March 2013.
Research Paper The relationship between children's outcomes in counselling and psychotherapy and attachment styles
Authors: Innerhofer Birgit
Published: January 2023

Background

Ainsworth developed the four attachment styles by observing children in situations of distress, fear, and anxiety. These are the secure, avoidant (dismissive), anxious-ambivalent (preoccupied) and disorganised attachment styles. They can also be observed when children are in therapy.

Method

This literature review includes research that looks at the therapeutic outcomes of children with different attachment styles. I searched electronic databases, books and articles for relevant studies. They were then selected, thematically analysed and arranged in different themes and subthemes according to the research question.

Findings

Results show how attachment styles influence the therapeutic process and the psychological health; also, the environment affects the attachment style. Children with an insecure attachment style often benefit from long-term therapy and are then able to have healthier and better relationships after the treatment. Research also shows that attachment styles are not rigid but rather fluid, flexible and include change.

Discussion

The relationship between children’s outcomes in counselling and psychotherapy and attachment styles is reviewed in this literature review. It entails new perspectives of children’s attachment styles and what their relationship is to the therapeutic process. This is crucial for therapists as it supports them in their work with children.
Invited Paper Structural Existential Analysis (SEA): A phenomenological research method for counselling psychology
Authors: Van Deurzen Emmy
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus: This paper discusses the foundation of phenomenological research in Husserl’s original ideas. A specific form of phenomenological research, called Structural Existential Analysis (SEA) is then introduced and outlined. The paper details various components of SEA, such as use of the three reductions, dialogical and hermeneutic interviewing, working with bias, the four worlds’ model and its paradoxes, working with the timeline and making us of the emotional compass.
Editorial Information asymmetry and counselling psychology: 'Noledge is Power'
Authors: Hanley Terry
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus

This editorial reflects upon the concept of ‘information asymmetry’ within counselling psychology. As therapists we commonly prize our psychological knowledge and attend workshop after workshop to provide us with more. We then attempt to wield the knowledge that we have attained in a sensitive and ethically minded way in our work with clients. As such, this sophisticated navigation of information asymmetry is present within our daily therapeutic routines. In contrast, it could be argued that within the more equal playing field of research, we are less forthcoming with our experience and expertise. Prior to moving to outline the wide ranging topics in this edition of Counselling Psychology Review,this reticence is briefly reflected upon and the implications of the recent, and future, Research Excellence Framework assessments are considered.
Theoretical Paper From shared roots to fruitful collaboration: How counselling psychology can benefit from (re)connecting with positive psychology
Authors: Steffen Edith , Vossler Andreas , Joseph Stephen
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus

Counselling psychology has its origins in a positive orientation towards lifelong development, growth and prevention rather than pathology and cure. Along with the positive psychology movement, it shares its roots in humanistic psychology, and while US counselling psychology has embraced positive psychology explicitly, UK counselling psychology has been more reluctant to engage with this framework. This paper reviews the relationship between counselling psychology and positive psychology, tracing the roots of counselling psychology and its engagement with positive psychology as well as some of the barriers to fruitful interaction. We offer suggestions for how counselling psychology could beneficially (re)connect with positive psychology ideas and practices.

Conclusions

By reconnecting with its positive roots and engaging with the ideas and the research of the positive psychology movement, counselling psychology could develop more balanced and strength-oriented ways of working, rekindling its original commitment towards human flourishing and actualisation.
Invited Paper Integrating positive psychology and coaching psychology into counselling psychology
Authors: Grant Anthony M. , Palmer Stephen
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus

This paper focuses on positive, coaching and counselling psychology. It argues that counselling psychologists are in an ideal role to deliver positive psychology and coaching psychology services. The tension between counselling psychology relying upon diagnosis within the medical context in contrast to the positive and coaching psychology approach is briefly addressed.

Conclusion

This paper concludes with a way forward for counselling psychology.
Theoretical Paper Positive psychology: A movement to reintegrate career counselling within counselling psychology?
Authors: Robertson Peter J.
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus

In the UK career counselling has tended to evolve separately from the counselling psychology profession. Elsewhere, notably in North America, counselling psychology does embrace career issues. This paper explores the contested boundaries between career and therapeutic work, and identifies positive psychology as a movement that transcends the divide. There is potential for positive psychology to reintegrate a career focus into counselling psychology.

Conclusions

Although it does not provide a general theory of career choice and development, positive psychology has resonance with career counselling. It provides a rigorous conceptual and empirical foundation linking vocation to wellbeing. An evidence-based career counselling is beginning to emerge. Positive psychology presents a challenge to the current boundaries of the UK counselling psychology profession by demanding a holistic view of well-being that encompasses work and career.
A discursive analysis of White trainee counselling psychologists’ experience in racial difference
Authors: O’Driscoll Sharon , Gaitanidis Anastasios , Dickerson Paul
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus

This study has investigated how White trainee counselling psychologists construct their experience of training in the area of racial difference, and how they discursively explore and negotiate their own potential for racial prejudice within the therapeutic encounter. This study attempts to offer some insight into the available discourses and their role in the creation of subject positions that the trainees come to occupy.

Method

Using the framework of Critical Discursive Psychology (CDP), data from eight interviews and two focus groups have been discursively analysed and are presented as one of an ever-evolving number of possible analyses. The study consisted of four female and four male participants, ranging in age from 28–57 years, who were between their second and fourth year of training.

Findings

The present analysis of the data has found that as the participants grapple with their professional identities as counselling psychologists in training, they inhabit one of three seemingly omnipresent discursive fields; ‘colour-blindness’, ‘interculturalism’ and ‘pluralism’. These fields offer the trainees alternative constructions of practice that are drawn on depending on which professional representation appears to be at stake. In particular, the participants struggle to balance the desire for value free openness associated with a pluralistic approach, alongside a need for professional competency. This professional competency is characterised by a dependence upon generalised understandings of racialised groups as supported by an intercultural perspective.

Conclusion

It is argued that the multifaceted epistemological roots of counselling psychology leave much open to interpretation. Discursive fields are occupied interchangeably and supported by ideologies that are seemingly ill-defined. The present study would argue that the result is a basis for practice that runs the risk of alternating between privileging and excluding difference, whilst espousing an apparent integrity presented within the theory of pluralism.
Counselling psychologists’ experiences of working with clients with a psychiatric diagnosis: A grounded theory analysis
Authors: Davies Hannah , Halewood Andreea , Johnstone Lucy , Waite John
Published: January 2023

Background

Many people who experience mental distress will receive a psychiatric diagnosis following assessment. However, while the utility of diagnosis continues to be debated, the impact of diagnosis on the therapeutic relationship has yet to be considered.

Aim

The purpose of this research was twofold: to explore how working with diagnosed clients is experienced by counselling psychologists; and to formulate an explanatory theory of this process.

Methodology

This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and a grounded theory methodology. Fourteen Chartered Counselling Psychologists and one Chartered Clinical Psychologist were interviewed about their experiences of working with diagnosed clients.

Findings

Participants adopted one of three responses to diagnosis; ‘uncritically adopting diagnosis’, ‘challenging diagnosis’, and ‘compromising through pragmatic positioning’. Attempting to integrate the opposing paradigms of the counselling psychology philosophy and the medical model resulted in ideological dilemmas and uncertainty which compromised the therapeutic relationship and undermined the counselling psychologists’ professional identity.

Conclusions

The process outlined in this study suggests that working with clients who have a psychiatric diagnosis creates uncertainty and ideological dilemmas. Clinical implications, limitations of the study, and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Therapist Limits in Person Centred Therapy
Authors: Sommerbeck Lisbeth
Published: January 2023

Lisbeth Sommerbeck worked as a clinical psychologist in the Danish psychiatric system from 1974 to 2011. She is accredited as a psychotherapist by the Danish Psychological Association, and her orientation is strongly person-centred. In this relatively short book of just over 100 pages, Sommerbeck considers the various limitations and dilemmas which person centred therapists may have to contend with.
Preparing for and writing up your doctoral thesis
Authors: Tribe Rachel , Tunariu Aneta D.
Published: January 2023

This paper will outline how to prepare for, and write up, a good doctoral thesis. It will review strategies to help candidates through the whole process. It will start by looking at the purpose of a thesis, and the importance of developing good academic and personal support structures for candidates. It will go on to outline the pivotal role of planning and preparation of the structure and content, not only at the start, but by reviewing and amending the plan throughout the process. Some of the common psychological and practical dilemmas and experiences that are likely to unfold during the writing up process will be reviewed and a range of strategies for dealing with these will be provided, including some given by recent doctoral graduates. It will explain the importance of developing a relationship with the supervisory team that supports and facilitates the doctoral candidate’s progress and the importance of complying with departmental/university requirements. The authors also give suggestions about the organisation and structure of a thesis and map out core milestones and a timeline which should make successful completion of a doctorate more likely and less stressful.
Incorporating a neuropsychological perspective into practice: A practical guide
Authors: Fairfax Hamilton
Published: January 2023

There has been significant interest in the contribution of neuropsychological and neurocognitive themes to therapeutic practice and interventions. In part this has been stimulated by the developments in brain imaging such as fMRI which have significantly increased our understanding of the brain and encouraged greater collaboration between the sometimes distant disciplines of the physiological and psychological (Brooks & Stein, 2015). These neurocognitive insights have added biological support to longstanding therapeutic theories such as attachment as well as the centrality of emotion and how therapeutic intervention may result in changes in chemical and neurological function (Siegel, 2001). Psychotherapeutic approaches such as Compassionate Mind Theory (Gilbert, 2010), Mentalisation Based Therapy (MBT) (Bateman & Fonagy, 2004), as well as traditional models such as psychoanalysis incorporate neurocognitive findings and highlight a biological basis to these theories (Clarkin, 2006, Jimenez, 2006). The field of trauma; and in particular Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), has been revolutionised by findings that implicate the role of the amygdala, hippocampus and related neural networks in the development, maintenance and treatment of PSTD (Garfinkel & Liberzon, 2009).
Integrating neuroscience into counselling psychology: Exploring the views and experiences of UK-based counselling psychologists
Authors: Goss David , Parnell Tony
Published: January 2023

It has been suggested that counselling psychology can both harness from and add to the field of neuroscience in a unique way, to continually improve understanding and interventions for our species’ mental health (Goss, 2015; Rizq, 2007). However, this view is often communicated by single or collectively interested authors and may not represent the wider network of counselling psychologists. The aim of this research is to explore United Kingdom (UK) based counselling psychologists’ experiences and views on incorporating neuroscience into their work. These views may help shed some light on the current landscape of integration within the profession, and whether any further action could be beneficial for practice, research and clients.
A thematic analysis of the experience of person-centred counselling for clients with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study
Authors: Lynass Rosemarie , Gillon Ewan
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the experience of person-centred counselling for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Method

Five clients with MS who had received person-centred counselling within an organisation which supports those with MS were interviewed. A semi-structured interview was chosen to allow enough flexibility to focus on some specifically identified areas of client experience whilst allowing the researcher to fully explore individual aspects of clients’ experience. Interview questions focused on helpful and unhelpful aspects of the counselling process generally and specifically in relation to clients’ experience of MS.

Results

Interviews were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Counselling was found to be helpful overall with PCT factors such as non-directive, non-judgemental and empathy being highlighted alongside MS specific factors such as the organisational setting and the counsellor’s MS knowledge. Clients identified. positive changes in cognitions and emotions as the most prevalent outcomes of therapy.

Conclusions

A more pluralistic perspective on possible psychological interventions for those with MS is recommended with further research into humanistic approaches being justified based on the positive results of this study.
Implications of providing psychotherapy to people with neurological conditions: An existential phenomenological investigation
Authors: Ashworth John
Published: January 2023

To date, a relatively limited literature has focused on psychotherapy with people with neurological conditions (Coetzer, 2007), and narrower still a literature that explores the impact upon practitioners who specialise in working with this population. This paper aims to reduce the latter deficit.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and early maladaptive schemas: A single case study
Authors: Stalmeisters Dzintra
Published: January 2023

Background/Aims:

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex illness, one that is devastating and life changing for many people. Early maladaptive schemas (EMS), as described by Young et al., (2003), have been observed in some patients with ME/CFS; seemingly adversely impacting on psychological and physical wellbeing. This study explores the experience of working at schema level with a woman with ME/CFS and endorsed EMS. It provides an overview of the therapeutic treatment, with the aim of adding to the limited research in this area.

Method:

The instrumental single case study takes place within a clinical context. The client received 20 sessions of therapy. Standard cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was initially utilised to work with the client’s depression; once reduced, schema work commenced. Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used to measure mood, and Young’s Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3) was employed to measure schemas.

Findings:

By the end of therapy only two schemas from the nine schemas that the client had endorsed at the start of therapy remained at a level of ‘therapeutic significance’; three schemas diminished once the depression had been treated. The client reported that her quality of life had improved and that she had taken up part-time paid employment.

Conclusion:

The results appear to offer some support for working at schema level with people that have ME/CFS and also endorse EMS. However, treating existing depression first is recommended.
A call to include attachment-based concepts in tailored treatments for obesity
Authors: Robins Jenny , Ayling Russel
Published: January 2023

Background:

Psychological contributing factors in obesity include attachment style and emotion dysregulation. Little is known about the relationship between attachment style and responses to treatment in obesity.

Aims:

This study set out to identify the average weight loss for a group treatment for obesity based on diet changes and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) strategies, investigate whether attachment style predicts weight loss, and explore participants’ experience of the group treatment.

Method:

52 participants completed an attachment measure at the start of treatment. Body Mass Index (BMI) measures were taken at the start and end of treatment. The average weight loss was calculated and a backwards multiple regression tested whether the five attachment dimensions could predict participants’ change in BMI. Seven of the participants then took part in semi-structured interviews about the experience of the treatment. Transcripts were subjected to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Results:

The average weight loss was 2.2 per cent of the starting body weight. Quantitative findings produced a model which showed that the participants who scored higher on attachment security lost less weight than those with insecure attachments. Qualitative findings centred around four themes regarding the group experience: Dependency; Identification; Comparison to Others; and Negative Aspects of the Group Experience. Participants also described having difficulties with self-soothing, having had unmet needs in childhood, and the experience of recurrent depression.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates poor weight loss from group treatments for obesity based on diet changes and CBT strategies. However, it suggests that those with insecure attachment may be better suited to CBT-type courses than those who are securely attached. The qualitative themes offer possible explanations as to why the treatment did not result in significant weight loss and potential reasons for the well documented weight regain following treatment for obesity. The implications are that treatment for obesity should be tailor-made, consider attachment style, and consider the need to attend to emotion regulation.
Reported factors for practitioners working with diverse ethnic minority clients to support positive therapeutic outcomes: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Untanu Manuela , Dempsey Raymond
Published: January 2023

Background:

It is an ethical imperative that practitioners recognise and understand the different factors that may contribute to our work with ethnic minority clients (BPS, 2018; HCPC, 2016). Previous research provided conflicting views regarding the key factors for practitioners working with people from ethnically diverse minorities to support Positive Therapeutic Outcomes (PTO). This study aimed to explore the experiences of counselling psychologists in the UK working with people from ethnic minorities, and to find the strengths and limitations the practitioners encounter when working with ethnically diverse clients.

Method:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants, and data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Results:

One superordinate and three subordinate themes emerged: reported limitations and ways to overcome them (institutional disparities; lack of multicultural training; multicultural awareness)

Conclusion:

Findings suggest the presence of common elements that contribute to PTO with people from ethnic minorities. Consistent with previous research the study shows that participants experience barriers to their practice which might affect the efficacy of therapeutic outcomes with ethnic minorities.

Keywords:

ethnic minority; diversity; therapeutic outcomes; IPA.
Trans peoples’ experiences of survival whilst accessing healthcare and psychological services during transition
Authors: Grant Miriam , Gran Jess , Filippopoulos Pavlos
Published: January 2023

Background

This research explores trans people’s experiences of healthcare and psychological services in the UK. The project aims to further inform Counselling Psychologists and other professionals of the specific needs of this client group.

Methodology

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Findings

Three master themes emerged from the analysis. This paper focuses on the master theme ‘Survival’, as it is most pertinent to applied psychologists. This theme explores trans people’s experiences of developing coping strategies to manage the difficulties associated with transition and negotiating healthcare. Strategies included developing resilience and assertiveness, building a social support network, and finding the right therapist.

Discussion

Implications for clinical practice are discussed. Specifically, the need for training and education, a trans affirmative stance, and the potential usefulness of CBT interventions to facilitate the development of relevant coping strategies.

*All names and identifying biographical details have been changed or omitted to ensure confidentiality
Personal engagment and prospective acceptability of music-based interventions in counselling psychology practice
Authors: Wilson Gail , Duncan Barbara
Published: January 2023

Background/aims/objectives:In the United Kingdom, there is a growing movement towards including more arts-based interventions within healthcare systems. This study investigated attitudes of counselling psychologists towards using music therapeutically. The aim was to provide preliminary evidence, and inform future research, on the feasibility of including music as an intervention in counselling psychology practice. It was hypothesised that practitioners who personally engaged with music would be more likely to view interventions using music as acceptable.

Methodology:The study utilised quantitative survey methodology to collect data from trainee and qualified counselling psychologists practising in the United Kingdom. Forty-three participants completed the survey, which comprised the Music Use and Background Questionnaire (MUSEBAQ; Chin et al., 2018) to assess personal engagement with music across factors of musicianship, musical capacity and motivations for music use, and an acceptability questionnaire. Data was analysed via multiple linear regression.

Findings:Analysis indicated that this sample of counselling psychologists was accepting of the prospect of using music with clients. The personal motivations of participants for using music were found to be a significant positive predictor of acceptance.

Discussion/conclusions:Participants who were motivated to use music to improve their own wellbeing were significantly more likely to consider music as an acceptable intervention. If music-based interventions are to become more integrated within counselling psychology practice, leadership of this process and training will be important and it suggested that this bias be accounted for in selection criteria.
The experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic trainee counselling psychologists: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Daloye Dashnye
Published: January 2023

Background:The aim of the study was to capture the training experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) trainee counselling psychologists in the United Kingdom (UK). To date there is a lack of research and literature looking at the experiences of BME trainee counselling psychologist in the UK.

Methodology:A qualitative approach was adopted; semi-structured interviews were conducted with five self-identified BME trainees. The accounts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Findings:The analytic procedure highlighted five main superordinate themes which were constructed from participants’ accounts. All five participants contributed to every superordinate theme generated, which were: The need to belong; Lack of diversity; The impact of support on the self; Versatile BME trainee identity; and Managing a range of challenges. Each superordinate theme featured two related subordinate themes.

Conclusion: Insights from the analysis indicate the experiences of UK BME trainee counselling psychologists consist of experiences including a sense of a lack of belonging on the training programme which in turn made the BME trainees feel lonely and isolated. The challenges experienced by the BME trainees included not feeling understood and supported. The lack of diversity was reflected in the Eurocentric bias in the training, lack of BME representation and the hardship of not being white. However, the participants reflected on their positive experience of connecting with BME clients by using their BME identity and experience.
Video recorded treatment sessions for professional development
Authors: Doorn Katie Aafjes-van , Liu Alina , Kamsteeg Céline
Published: January 2023

Purpose:Professional development is seen as a crucial aspect of work as a counsellor, however, little is known about how to make these learning experiences more effective. One specific tool that might improve the learning process is the use of video recorded counselling sessions. This literature review aimed to examine the empirical evidence for using video recorded counselling sessions for professional development.

Methods:A systematic literature search identified 27 relevant studies; including 13 surveys and 14 outcome studies.

Findings:Results indicated that, despite counsellors’ and clients’ initial anxiety, the use of video recorded sessions does not appear to be harmful, and may be beneficial to supervisors, counsellors and clients. Benefits included outcomes such as improved counsellors’ self-assessment skills, counselling skills, and understanding of in-session experiences, and improved supervisors’ diagnostic accuracy and assessment of supervisees’ level of clinical competency.

Discussion:These preliminary empirical findings suggest that the use of video recorded treatment sessions is likely to be beneficial to counsellors, clients and supervisors. Further research on how to make most effective use of therapy recordings as professional development tool is warranted.
Hearing the unheard: Children’s constructions of their Nurture Group experiences
Authors: Griffiths Rhian , Stenner Rosanna , Hicks Una
Published: January 2023

There is a growing body of evidence pointing to the associated benefits of nurture group provisions for vulnerable children and young people identified as experiencing social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (Cooper & Whitebread, 2007; O’Connor & Colwell, 2002). Consequently, there are an increasing number of such provisions in schools (Cooper & Whitebread, 2007). However, closer examination of the literature reveals children’s views on their nurture group experiences have neither been sought or heard. Since the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, empowerment of children and young people, ensuring they have been consulted and heard, has become integral to legislation and guidelines for professionals.

This brief practitioner pilot offers a novel, exploratory insight into children’s constructions of their nurture group experiences in one primary school in Wales. This nurture group adhered to the ‘classic’ model as outlined by Bennathan and Boxall (2000); and was located within the mainstream school. The children registered every morning and spent a minimum of one day a week in their mainstream classrooms. The participants consisted of two girls and six boys in KS2 (ranging from 7 to 11-years-old). Six of the children were attending the nurture group and two had recently reintegrated full time into their mainstream classes. The children had attended the nurture group provision for between one and three terms. The researchers spent time following the nurture group routine with the children prior to the focus group, which was adapted to accommodate the children’s needs and incorporated into the nurture group’s circle time. The focus group allowed for information to be elicited and shared through various age-appropriate means, including the election of a soft toy mascot, paired discussions, and the use of post-it notes with scribes on hand. Thematic analysis of the children’s elicited constructions revealed themes broadly consistent with the theoretical underpinnings and aims of the ‘classic’ nurture group model. These included environmental factors, relationships, self-regulation and learning. The findings emphasised the insight children have into their experiences and their ability to express what works for them and why. The responsibility and benefits of professionals actively seeking and valuing the voice of the child is discussed. The child-centred methodology used may be a valuable vehicle for further research and practice within educational psychology and other disciplines which seek to empower children and young people by eliciting the voice of the child.
Child language brokering in schools: A discussion of selected findings from a survey of teachers and ex-students
Authors: Cline Tony , Crafter Sarah , Prokopiou Evangelia
Published: January 2023

Because the children of immigrants often learn the host language much more quickly than their parents, increasing numbers of children and young people contribute to family life by acting as child language brokers (or interpreters) (CLBs) for their parents. There is well-founded professional resistance to the use of children in the LB role in sensitive or challenging meetings, but for some purposes many immigrant parents and grandparents prefer a language broker from within their own family to an external professional interpreter. In this paper we report selected findings from parallel online surveys of teachers in schools where there has been some use of students as CLBs and of young adults who have acted as CLBs while at school. Our aim is to explore what can be learned about the use of CLBs from analysing the views and experiences of these two groups who bring distinctive and complementary perspectives to the topic.
Dynamic assessment of bilingual children’s language at the point of referral
Authors: Camilleri Bernard , Hasson Natalie , Dodd Barbara
Published: January 2023

The Dynamic Assessment of Preschoolers’ Proficiency in Learning English (DAPPLE) was developed in response to a clinical need to obtain information about bilingual children’s English language learning ability, particularly in the absence of detailed information regarding their proficiency in their other language/s. The assessment looked at children’s responses to opportunities to learn in the three areas of vocabulary, sentence structure and phonology (speech sounds). Twelve bilingual children aged between 3 and 5 years who had been referred to speech and language therapy were assessed. Their responses across the three areas were explored to derive profiles of strength and weakness across language areas. One of the 12 children was found to possess good language learning abilities across all areas, which may reflect an inappropriate referral. All of the remaining children demonstrated difficulties with learning within one or more areas of the DAPPLE, with one child having difficulties across all areas. The findings indicate that the DAPPLE could be used productively as a pre-diagnostic tool. Future directions for the development of the test are considered.
Sexually harmful behaviour and treatment within an attachment-based framework: An adolescent case study
Authors: Banks Nicholas , Ward Patricia
Published: January 2023

The figures for the prevalence of child sexual abuse are startling. Some 20 to 66 per cent of sexual offences are committed by young people and adolescents with approximately 50 per cent of adult sex offenders disclosing their first sexual offences committed in adolescence. In the UK, about five per cent of 11- to 17-year-olds report experiencing sexual abuse in childhood, with two-thirds of all sexual abuse being from a peer. Adolescent sexual abuse has implications for the management and treatment of abusers. Psychologists may find themselves at the forefront of advising other professionals on how to understand and respond to the abuser. This paper reviews factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of adolescent sexually harmful behaviour and suggests therapeutic approaches for managing this. The effect of disorganised attachment development as a mediating factor in adolescent sexual behaviour is explored. A composite case scenario approach is used to locate psychological perspectives of sexually harmful behaviour and treatment into an attachment based therapeutic practice context. It is proposed that an increased understanding of such processes will better equip psychologists to inform those who come into contact with the child and have a need to make sense of the child’s sexually harmful behaviour.
Safeguarding the safeguarders: Supporting workers with children who sexually abuse peers
Authors: Hatfield Sarah
Published: January 2023

Working with children and young people who sexually abuse peers is arguably one of the most professionally demanding roles in the context of safeguarding and child protection. The field is, therefore, at a potentially higher risk for employee attrition, implying a need for local authorities to make a commitment to training and service evaluation and improvement. This paper is a report on research commissioned by one committed local authority to evaluate training, professional supervision, organisational support and the dynamics of the local teams delivering a front line service to this vulnerable group of young people and their care providers. Of particular concern was the identification of factors that play a role in encouraging professionals either to remain in the safeguarding team or to leave. Twenty-four keyworkers were followed through specific training with pre- and post-measures of resilience and follow-up structured interviews 14 months into service delivery post-training. The occupational attrition rate amongst participants was very high, with only two of the original sample remaining in post. This study found that the training had no impact on personal worker resilience, and although organisational commitment was perceived to be high, neither of these factors proved sufficient to motivate a higher retention rate of trained keyworkers. The results indicated that the real difficulties arose within the smaller local safeguarding/child protection teams in relation to role confusion, structural difficulties and a lack of the necessary level of specialist support.