bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of online counselling within an Australian secondary school setting: A practitioner’s viewpoint
Authors: Glasheen Kevin , Campbell Marilyn
Published: January 2023

This paper proposes that the provision of online counselling services for young people accessed through their local school website has the potential to assist students with mental health issues as well as increasing their help seeking behaviours. It stems from the work of the authors who trialled an online counselling service within one Australian secondary school. In Australia, online counselling with the adult population is now an accepted part of the provision of mental health services. Online provision of mental health information for young people is also well accepted. However, online counselling for young people is provided by only a few community organisations such as Kids Help Line within Australia. School-based counselling services which are integral to most secondary schools in Australia, seem slow to provide this service in spite of initial interest and enthusiasm by individual school counsellors. This discussion is the product of reflection on the potential benefits of this trial with a consideration of relevant research of the issues raised. It highlights the need for further research into the use of computer-mediated communication in the provision of counselling within a school setting.
The experience of implementing, recruiting and screening for an online treatment for depression in a naturalistic setting
Authors: Richards Derek , Timulak Ladislav , Tone Yvonne , Rashleigh Chuck , Naughton Annemarie , Flynn Deirdre , McLoughlin Orla
Published: January 2023

At a time when the prevalence and severity of mental health difficulties presented at mental health services increases alongside a continuing demand on resources, services are beginning to look at new ways to innovate service delivery. Using technology to provide psychological treatments is relatively new, but has demonstrated positive results. Students are high users of the internet and related technologies and are of an age most associated with internet use for seeking health information and even treatments online. An online treatment for depression was implemented at the Student Counselling Service, Trinity College Dublin (TCD). The paper describes the online treatment, its implementation as a pilot and discusses the experiences both positive and challenging that were met in recruiting and screening participants. The experience will be useful and of interest to clinicians and researchers who may be considering similar online interventions as part of routine mental health service delivery.
Our rich heritage – are we building upon it or destroying it? (or ‛Why are counselling psychologists not angrier with clinical psychologists?’)
Authors: Mollon Phil
Published: January 2023

A paradox haunts the psychotherapy professions. Whilst talking therapies are ostensibly being promoted within the NHS, Counselling (and Clinical) Psychology is being destroyed. The rich and complex discourse of 120 years of psychotherapy, with its attention to the nuances of individual experience, is collapsed into comparisons of specific protocols for specific diseases. This trend currently finds its zenith in the deeply malign NICE guidelines, which explicitly endorse a medical model. Decades of deconstruction of ‘mental illness’ and examination of the sociocultural-political context in which mental distress evolves have been discarded in a vulgar exuberance over favourable comparisons between CBT and SSRIs. That psychologists, and the British Psychological Society, have colluded in this betrayal of our professions through an endorsement of the crude medical model of NICE is deeply puzzling - a phenomenon that itself deserves careful study. A further paradox is that behind the tawdry glamour of IAPT and dumbed-down forms of CBT, there are exciting developments that hold out the possibilities of real healing of psychological distress.
‘The power of being seen’: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of how experienced counselling psychologists describe the meaning and significance of personal therapy in clinical practice
Authors: Rizq Rosemary , Target Mary
Published: January 2023

There is a widely acknowledged lack of clarity in psychotherapeutic training about the role of personal therapy in developing practitioner competence. This paper presents part of a wider ongoing qualitative study exploring the role that personal therapy plays in the clinical practice and training of experienced counselling psychologists. Results derived from an interpretative phenomenological analysis suggest that personal therapy is valued mainly as a means of enhancing reflectiveness within clinical work. Detailed examination of a subset of the data offers scope for exploring how this process may occur within therapy, and points to the potential significance of early attachment experiences in the development and amplification of participants’ reflective capacities. A possible theoretical framework is proposed and implications for future research discussed.
Ordinary and extraordinary narratives of heroism and resistance: Uncovering resilience, competence and growth
Authors: Hutchinson Julia , Lema Juan Carlos
Published: January 2023

Current approaches to work with trauma often emphasise diagnosis, symptoms and exposure-based treatments. This paper, based within a narrative framework and drawing on recent research in positive psychology, focuses on how we can collaborate with clients to move from trauma-saturated stories that limit possibility and meaning for the future, to stories that are possibility-rich, meaningful and ordinarily and extra-ordinarily heroic. We identify some principles, assumptions and ideas that guide our interventions: labelling people, for example, as ‘abused’ or suffering from PTSD can sometimes constrain progress; people find small ways to resist even the most violent of situations; inviting fun, laughter and other positive emotions into therapy can help build resilience; having our ear attuned to noticing strength and small acts of coping and progressing builds success; and the importance of giving good attention to the client’s theory of change. We end with some questions about different pathways to resilience, recovery and post-traumatic growth.
Building resources and resilience: Why we should think about positive emotions when working with children, their families and their schools
Authors: Hutchinson Julia , Pretelt Veronica
Published: January 2023

Recent research in the field of positive psychology emphasises the important role positive emotions play, not only in overall human well-being, but also in the development of resilience. In this paper, we use Barbara Fredrickson’s ‘broaden and build’ theory of positive emotions (Fredrickson, 2003) to explain the importance of generating positive emotions in the therapy room in addition to attending to the problems that our clients bring. We illustrate this with some examples of school-based therapeutic group work which aims to build and cultivate resilience through an ‘upward spiral’ of positive emotions. These examples also demonstrate the importance of including the child’s community in this work: their family, peers and school.
The right to choose: Existential-phenomenological psychotherapy with primary school-aged children
Authors: Quinn Fenella
Published: January 2023

Research shows that, on average, one in 10 primary school-aged children in the UK have some kind of diagnosable mental health problem (Department of Health, 2004). Various agencies are involved in working with children’s emotional well-being, from statutory and voluntary sectors, and it is a growing field. Much of the therapeutic work carried out with young children takes place through the medium of play therapy and is thought about often from psychodynamic/psychoanalytical, behaviourist or systemic theories. This paper seeks to consider the approach of working in an existential-phenomenological way with children and how existential philosophy can inform the child practitioner’s thinking and interventions. While existential philosophers point to various ontological factors of life including freedom, isolation, relatedness, meaninglessness, anxiety and death/nothingness, this paper examines two of these strands in relation to working with children. The areas of freedom and personal responsibility are explored, together with relatedness and intersubjectivity. While some arguments against using these ideas with children are raised, the paper seeks to reassure practitioners that an existential-phenomenological approach to working with children is not only an appropriate approach, but can also bring about significant alleviation of children’s distress.
A trainee’s experiences of counselling psychology’s contribution to therapeutic work with children and adolescents
Authors: Sinitsky Gail
Published: January 2023

In this short paper, I reflect upon my experiences of working with children and adolescents during training. In doing so, I aim to challenge the myth that appears to be contained in this piece of advice, by demonstrating that working with children and adolescents does fall within the boundaries of the role of a counselling psychologist. In addition, I have highlighted the valuable contribution that counselling psychology offers to therapeutic work with children and adolescents, by focussing on four contributions: its phenomenological underpinnings (BPS, 2008); its use of the life span developmental approach (Sugarman, 2003); its commitment to the development of well-being (Woolfe, 1990); and its valuable role within a multi-disciplinary framework.
Celebrating the wounded healer
Authors: Martin Peter
Published: January 2023

Aim

For many therapists woundedness is a hidden secret. This deceit is sometimes masked as ‘professionalism’. We need to unravel the mystique which we unawarely embrace, and examines the cost of this illusion. This paper unusually begins by discussing these issues which emanated from specific research. It is contended that we stand a better chance of making an authentic relationship with those we seek to help if we are prepared to celebrate our scarred, glorious, mis-shapenly successful, and often faulty selves for what we are.

Method

The heuristic research conducted by the author explores the lives of 17 self-selected therapists and how their own life crises affected their work with clients. The stance is phenomenological qualitative method which is an adaptation of Moustakas’s (1990) protocol. The method used develops Moustakas’s methodology, here privileging a co-constructed account of each co-researcher’s (participant’s) story.

Findings

The outcomes of this research were predictably idiosyncratic and this accords with the postmodernist stance of the researcher. There were commonalities too: many co-researchers found it was better to celebrate our shared but faulty humanity, while protecting our clients from the worst of our failings. Co-researchers indicated that the power and the peril of being more nakedly human is worth it.

Implications for practice

The research appears to make a case for the theory that life is the best teacher, if only we are prepared to learn. It challenges the reader to find within themselves something akin to the wisdom which can come only from the examined life.
Mental health and ‘The Big Society’: Where do counselling psychologists and therapists fit in?
Authors: Edge Dawn , West William
Published: January 2023

Content and Focus

In this paper, we use ‘depression’ as a vehicle for suggesting that current approaches to diagnosing and managing ‘common mental health disorders’ are increasingly untenable in a time of cuts to health care expenditure and changing perspectives on mental health and well-being. We suggest that a collective, community-based response to the human need and suffering encapsulated by such an apparently common condition is possible. However, this would require the individual psychologist or therapist to be much more embedded in the communities they serve.

Conclusions

We recognise that such an approach has practical and political challenges and is not a cheap option but nonetheless have potential to improve outcomes for clients and communities.
Using narratives on an acute psychiatric ward
Authors: Allie Samina , Whittall Suzanne
Published: January 2023

Background

Mental health professionals are looking at more ways in which clients’ voices can be heard throughout their treatment. One of the ideas being suggested is through narratives. Narratives are a way people can derive meaning from events by retelling their story putting their experience in chronological order. The 2002 NICE Guidelines also suggest encouraging clients to write their own accounts of their admission to hospital. This service evaluation discusses the idea of using narratives in inpatient care and evaluates how useful it has been for both staff and patients to be involved in the narrative process. Our main aims in introducing the ‘Narrative Project’ (the ‘Project’) were to determine if the process of creating a narrative impacted upon therapeutic relationships between staff and clients, whether narratives could improve client’s insight and if the process could improve Staff confidence in their skills.

Method

Questionnaires were used to determine if the aims of our ‘Narrative Project’ were being met. The findings of the questionnaires were analysed using content analysis to draw upon themes.

Findings

Despite environmental/systemic challenges, the process of collecting narratives has highlighted the importance of a good therapeutic relationship between staff and clients.

Conclusion

It is important to note that it is not the number of narratives collected which is important but the quality of the narratives and what both staff member and client gain from the process which is key.
Alliance ruptures: Etiology and resolution
Authors: Richards Christina
Published: January 2023

Background

The therapeutic alliance is vital as both the medium through which therapeutic change is effected and also as a means of providing a degree of change in and of itself. Various issues can affect that alliance, both with regards to the relationship between therapist and client and also with regards to the goal of the therapy. As counselling psychology is particularly concerned with the relational aspects of therapeutic change, as well as more technique-based interventions, it is incumbent upon practicing counselling psychologists to familiarise themselves with the causes, and resolutions of, alliance ruptures.

Aims and scope

This paper draws upon the established literature, and the author’s own experience of conducting counselling psychology and psychotherapy within a busy NHS clinic, to outline a limited number of causes of ruptures to the therapeutic alliance, as well as considering possible resolutions to those ruptures.

Conclusion

The resolution of difficulties within the therapeutic alliance can be of therapeutic benefit and is necessary for therapy to be effective.
The philosophical challenges within counselling psychology: Can Egan’s Model help?
Authors: Shorrock Matt
Published: January 2023

Background

Literature suggests that there are now over 450 models of therapy. As scientist-practitioners, counselling psychologists are often faced with significant philosophical challenges as they attempt to integrate conflicting theories and evidence-based approaches.

Content and focus

In this paper I examine some of the key philosophical bases of counselling psychology and consider the relationship between the values of counselling psychologists and their commitments to psychological enquiry. This serves to provide context and reference points for a brief description and critique of Egan’s Skilled Helper Model, which is just one attempt to integrate the emergence of distinct philosophies, theories and approaches within counselling psychology. I pay specific critical regard to elements of the therapeutic relationship as understood by Egan, and discuss the relevance of his model to counselling psychologists today.

Conclusions

I elucidate some of the current tensions existing for the profession of counselling psychology, and discuss implications for practice. I conclude that the Skilled Helper Model, used intelligently, can transcend incongruent philosophies, theories and approaches.
Perceptions of integration in counselling psychology training: A pilot study
Authors: Ward Tony , Hogan Kevin , Menns Rosemarie
Published: January 2023

Background

Many professional training courses in counselling psychology are now presenting a number of therapeutic models, with the expectation that trainees will demonstrate a way of working with clients that incorporates features of each.

Aims

This pilot study sets out to find out the perceptions of trainees around the process of learning a number of therapeutic approaches.

Method

Six trainees were interviewed in-depth about their training, in relation to the therapeutic models presented and expectations of practice. Three course directors and three experienced counselling psychologists were also interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

A key theme was that trainees often find developing an integrative stance quite a challenge. They tend to feel that courses could approach this aspect of their learning in a more explicit and systematic manner. On the other hand, conflicts in the training constellation between course, supervisor and practice context were seen as stressful, but very growth promoting.

Conclusions

Counselling psychology trainees often experience the requirement to integrate a number of approaches to be quite challenging. Understanding and facilitating this process is worthy of further exploration. Finally it is suggested that trainees are often limited in the extent to which they articulate psychology as a foundation for their practice and identity as a counselling psychologist. It is suggested that there is scope for further development in this area. In particular, psychology can serve as a more explicit framework for integration, which potentially makes counselling psychologists unique within the therapeutic market place.
Virtual Data Generation: Qualitative research, computers and counselling psychology
Authors: Hanley Terry
Published: January 2023

Content and Focus

When designing a qualitative research project the researcher is automatically faced with numerous decisions about methodological choice. The selection of any method needs to be made with adequate foundation and sound ethical consideration. This paper hopes to illustrate some of the challenges that researchers face when transforming methods that are traditionally implemented ‘face-to-face’ or by ‘pen and paper’ into electronic formats. In doing so it aims to introduce the reader to some of the key debates that exist in this field and act as a resource for those interested in delving deeper into the subject matter. Four online methods are described (Questionnaires, Focus Groups, Interviews, and Journaling/Blogging) and examples from completed and ongoing research projects are presented. Following this, the practical and ethical challenges that are faced in justifying the use of online methods are discussed and the need to consider more than just the issue of convenience is raised.

Conclusions

Online qualitative research poses new opportunities and challenges for counselling psychologists. There is, however, a growing body of literature related to online methods which should be used to inform methodological and ethical decisions.
Clients’ experience of research within a research clinic setting
Authors: Stone Clare , Elliott Robert
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study explored the impact that the research process has on individual clients and their progress in therapy.

Method

This was a relatively small-scale qualitative study (N=17). The data consisted of an archive of semistructured interviews from a university-based psychotherapy research clinic that were analysed using a version of grounded theory analysis.

Findings

Some clients described as helpful the use of questionnaires, particularly the Personal Questionnaire (PQ) and Helpful Aspects of Therapy (HAT) Form, and the Qualitative Change Interview. Research procedures reported by other clients included the use of recording equipment, questionnaires (particularly the HAT Form), and interviews. The meaning that the research process had for clients was also considered, and provided evidence for a ‘moral trade-off’ experienced by participants.

Discussion

There appears to a great diversity of client experiences of the research process, some positive and some negative. Questionnaires, recording equipment and interviews were the most commonly discussed aspects of the research process.

Implications

These findings give us some indication of the issues that should be considered when planning research in the counselling psychology field.
Pluralism as the forerunner of integration? A reflective account
Authors: Athanasiadou Catherine
Published: January 2023

Content and Focus

Central to the ethos of counselling psychology is the application of multiple theoretical approaches to clinical and research practice whilst the integration of these components is a vital aspect of professional identity. With the current emphasis on pluralism (Cooper & McLeod, 2011) as a distinct philosophy underpinning counselling psychology, this paper discusses the relevance of pluralism to integrative practice by exploring the historical context of integration and by providing clinical examples of reflective practice.

Conclusion

The paper concludes by suggesting that pluralistic therapy is a vital aspect of ethical practice and its principles may inform the construction of assimilative integration.
Editorial - The problematic nature of peer review: Considering Andy Warhol's shoe, academic cheats and the sh*t sandwich
Authors: Hanley Terry
Published: January 2023

Content and Focus

This editorial follows on from a previous editorial which focused upon ‘Writing for Publication’ in 2011. The purpose is to focus down a little further and to describe and discuss the peer review process within the world of academic publishing. This system has become a hallmark of quality and holds a great deal of sway when deciding what research gets published or commissioned. It is, however, problematic in numerous ways and consumers of research need to be mindful of the limitations of such a system (i.e. it can be abused and misused). Some of these limitations are considered before suggesting three ways in which peer review can potentially be utilised in a more productive manner. In turn these are: 1. The provision of proactive guidance from the publication editors based upon the reviewers’ judgement; 2. The provision of clear guidance for peer reviewers regarding the expectations of papers published in the related journal; and 3. The consideration of utilising alternative peer review systems to the norm (e.g. open review or open published dialogues with reviews). Following on from this, the papers presented within this particular edition of Counselling Psychology Review are briefly introduced and a call for peer reviewers is made.
Research Paper Exploring experiences of adoption: Emerging implications for therapeutic practice
Authors: Jordan Clodagh , Dempsey Maria
Published: January 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the experience of adoption from the perspective of adults who were adopted as infants. The focus of the study was to develop the ‘inside out’ view of adoption with the aim of informing therapeutic practice.

Method

14 adults who had been domestically adopted as infants participated in this study. Data was gathered through individual face-to-face semi-structured recorded interviews. Data was analysed using grounded theory methodology (GTM).

Findings

This work describes adoption as a psychosocial transition within which four themes emerged. ‘Stages in cognitive understanding of adoption’ demonstrates that adoption is not a point in time occurrence; rather it is a stage-like process that can entail negotiation on an on-going basis. ‘Negotiating identity formation’ relates to participants’ struggle with identify formation due to a lack of access to personal information and a lack of familial resemblance. ‘The impact of adoption on relational dynamics’ demonstrates the effect that adoption has on the adopted individual’s relational and family planning behaviour. The final theme ‘Adopted individuals support and coping processes’ relates to the support that participants accessed to help navigate their adoption journey, and the ways in which adoption support can be improved.

Conclusion

The current study builds on previously reported effects of adoption by exploring when certain issues occur for the adopted individual, the perceived reason for why they occur, and the lived experience of the adopted individual who has experienced them.
Theoretical Paper Counselling psychology and people with learning disabilities: Some reflections
Authors: Jones Rachel Ann
Published: January 2023

Content and Focus

Literature has repeatedly demonstrated that individuals with learning disabilities are at a significantly greater risk of developing mental health problems and are more likely to experience adverse life events. Historically, treatment has been dominated by psychopharmacology and applied behavioural models; however, an evidence base has grown, which advocates the use of psychological therapy with these individuals. Individuals with learning disabilities receive assistance from a variety of services and professionals throughout their lives, including multidisciplinary community teams, day services and residential or supported living projects. The community teams, are often multidisciplinary, professionals involved may include community nurses, psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, and social workers. The array of professionals involved in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities reflects their complex and diverse needs.

Conclusions

Very little is known about counselling psychologists working with people with learning disabilities. This article wishes to offer some reflections regarding the current and potential role of counselling psychology within this specialist field.
Theoretical Paper Cognitive behavioural symptom-oriented understanding of psychosis: Abandoning the disease paradigm of schizophrenia
Authors: Mankiewucz Pawel D
Published: January 2023

Content and Focus

This paper discusses the development of cognitive behavioural approach to psychosis as a psychological alternative to the medical construct of schizophrenia. The article wishes to draw out the link between therapeutic advances in working with psychosis and the development of cognitive conceptualisation of such experience. The present place of cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) within the practice of NHS-employed psychologists is portrayed and recent criticisms of the model are considered. Novel developments are also proposed.

Conclusion

The paper concludes that despite some promising innovations in psychological therapies for psychosis, the disease paradigm appears to continue dominating in mental health practice.
Theoretical Paper Both 'being with' and 'doing to': Borderline personality disorder and the integration of humanistic values in contemporary therapy practice
Authors: Steffen Edith
Published: January 2023

Content and Focus

Taking one of the key dimensions of counselling psychology as a focal point, namely its ‘humanistic value base’, this article explores how humanistic values can be integrated into therapeutic work with clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in contemporary health care settings. It starts by outlining borderline personality disorder as a diagnostic category, highlighting some of the associated controversies discussed in the literature, followed by a consideration of clients’ perspectives as presented by qualitative research. It then considers key humanistic values relevant to the philosophical basis of counselling psychology and discusses some of the dilemmas that may arise when applying these values to practice. Finally, it examines potential overlaps and conflicts between humanistic principles and one particular therapeutic approach for working with borderline presentations, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Conclusions

While a humanistic perspective on borderline personality disorder accords with the philosophical basis of counselling psychology, adopting a purely humanistic stance could sometimes be counter-productive when working with this client group. However, when skilfully interwoven with more directive strategies as in dialectical behaviour therapy, humanistically-informed relational work may be a key ingredient in working effectively with this client group. While such integration may be problematic, the dilemma could be fruitfully approached from different perspectives.
Research Paper An enquiry into how counselling psychology in the UK is constructed as a profession within discipline-orientated publications
Authors: Hemsley Christine
Published: January 2023

Background

This paper examines how those within counselling psychology are constructing the profession within pertinent publications.

Methodology

Critical discursive psychology was applied to texts within Counselling Psychology Review and Counselling Psychology Quarterly over the time period of 2007 to June 2009.

Findings

The four interpretive repertoires discerned were: ‘Opponent to the medical model,’ ‘Saviour of the people’, ‘Maturation’ and ‘Alliance to others’.

Conclusion

Together these position the profession as viable contenders within the psychological arena and a voice against the political enhancement of the medical model which is constructed as context and value-free. Thus not only is the power of CBT and all it represents challenged but such a position moves towards ethical empowerment of the client. The analysis also tracked the development of socially constructed processes that position a group as having achieved the construction of a profession.
Theoretical Paper How to skin a cat: A case for and against the use of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in pluralistic therapy
Authors: Scott Adam J.
Published: January 2023

Content and Focus

This paper seeks to answer the following question: ‘How can a pluralistic therapist use a single school approach and remain faithful to their philosophical and collaborative base?’ To do this it explores some of the difficulties associated with integrative/eclectic approaches to therapy. Within this it discusses pluralistic philosophy and suggests that the proverb ‘there is more than one way to skin a cat’ is a helpful way of summarising pluralistic philosophy. From there it discusses Cooper and McLeod’s (2011) Pluralistic Framework for counselling and psychotherapy as an integrative approach and focuses on two distinguishing elements of it; namely that it has its basis in pluralistic philosophy rather than psychological theory and that it is collaborative in nature. The discussion then turns towards mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and the theory and research evidence that underpins it with a view to considering how a single school approach may fit with a pluralist approach. The paper reflects upon two opposing answers to the dilemma that is inherent within the question referred to at the outset of this abstract, suggesting rationale both for and against the use of MBCT from a pluralistic position.

Conclusion

The paper concludes by offering the concept of Pragmatic Pluralism as a way for pluralistic therapists to undergird their therapeutic decision making.
Theoretical Paper Using a pluralistic approach in counselling psychology and psychotherapy practice with diverse clients: Explorations into cultural and religious responsiveness within a Western paradigm
Authors: Wilk Katarzyna
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus:As globalisation trends bring increased client diversity into Western nations, the meeting of culturally diverse clients and therapists has not always been particularly favourable or culturally responsive in Western contexts. This paper explores the pluralistic framework put forth by Cooper and McLeod (2011) from a critical evaluation of its effectiveness with culturally diverse clients. I first examine the role of pluralism in comparison to evidence-based therapies and the ongoing debate around treatment efficacy in Western institutions of mental health, while highlighting the shortcomings of biased participant sampling in empirically supported therapy research studies. I then explore the theoretical underpinnings of pluralism in relation to other integrative approaches and its’ strong ties to humanistic values in counselling psychology as well as the challenges to its multicultural theory. I finally explore how pluralism can potentially overcome these challenges by focusing on the core foundation of pluralistic practice and theory – the therapeutic relationship.

Conclusion:The paper concludes by suggesting how pluralism can build on its strengths in order to meet the challenges of working with diverse client epistemologies which include therapists’ need to examine their own cultural biases, provision of intercultural training within pluralistic education programmes, and development of an empirical evidence base linking pluralistic practice with diverse client therapy outcomes.
Theoretical Paper Practitioner psychologists in palliative care: Past, present, and future directions
Authors: Golijani-Moghaddam Nima
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus:This article considers the role (and potential roles) of practitioner psychologists in contributing to specialist palliative care in the UK, as developed from modern hospice care. Consideration of psychologist roles is situated within an analysis of the current and historical context of palliative care – permitting some suggestions for future development of roles and broader predictions. The article is structured chronologically and examines three key foci across time. The first of these foci concerns cultural and theoretical conceptualisations of death and dying, which influence caring practices and provide a framework for psychological understanding. The second key focus is the development of palliative care as a specialism – and the provision of psychological support within this specialism. The third key focus is the roles and responsibilities of practitioner psychologists: as potential contributors to theory and practice of palliative care.

Conclusions:Despite the centrality of psychological support to the ethos of palliative care, psychologists have historically had little involvement in (or influence on) its delivery. Recent policy guidance in palliative care explicitly recognises the particular competencies of counselling psychologists, and identifies ways in which they can contribute to multidisciplinary palliative care, across all levels of psychological need for the dying and their carers in hospice, hospital and community settings.
Theoretical Paper Projective identification in the analytic relationship: Phantasy, or the symbiotic dance of the Eloi and the Morlock's?
Authors: Cox Philip K.
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus:H.G. Well’s novel The Time Machine shows how art imitates reality and brings to life Klein’s concept of projective identification. Using a composite example of sessions from a Humanistically-oriented addiction service and subsequent psychoanalytic training, supports how the process of projective identification can be understood as a communication. The concept of projective identification is developed from an intrapsychic to an inter-psychic process. In this reciprocal relationship projective identification is the therapy. How the philosophical underpinnings of each service and their competing approaches can lead to very difference outcomes, is also explored.

Conclusions:Klein’s theories have multidimensional implications and the concept of projective identification is easily misused. Rather than conceptualising projective identification as a psychotic or malign defense, the emotional tugs of intersubjectivity are a key to effective therapy. Patient and practitioner essentially become co-operating parts of the whole, and so develop together by working thorough the symbiotic dance that is projective identification.
A CBT-based psychoeducation group for Bipolar Affective Disorder
Authors: Veitch Hayley , Baillie Nicola
Published: January 2023

This article describes a psychoeducation group for sufferers of bipolar disorder and summarises the findings of a study of participant experience following a pilot group run in South Glasgow.
Developing a Joint Health and Local Authority Challenging Behaviour Care Pathway for Learning Disability Services in Grampian
Authors: Wishart Judith
Published: January 2023

This article outlines the ongoing development and implementation of a challenging behaviour care pathway aimed at improving the efficiency of multi-disciplinary input for challenging behaviour referrals to Community Learning Disability Teams (CLDTs) in Grampian.
We are recovery focused… aren’t we?
Authors: Bradstreet Simon , Campbell Alison
Published: January 2023

The Scottish Recovery Indicator (SRI 2) is a service-development tool that can be used by anyone interested in developing recovery-focused services. It was developed by the Scottish Recovery Network to provide services with a practical tool to review, develop and improve how they support recovery. Simon Bradstreet and Alison Campbell look at the development of recovery approaches in Scotland and more widely, before focusing on the experience of one psychology team’s experience of implementing SRI 2.
The Approved Clinician in England: An interview with Professor John Taylor
Authors: Robertson Alison
Published: January 2023

Psychologists in England and Wales can already take on certain statutory roles. How did this come about … and what has the effect been? Alison Robertson finds out.
A fertile exchange of ideas: The Mental Health and Psychological Treatment Research Group
Authors: Griffiths Helen , Ferreira Nuno , Hutton Paul , MacBeth Angus , Morris Paul , Schwannauer Matthias
Published: January 2023

Our second article explores the multi-faceted work of this newly formed research group.
Involving members of the public in clinical and health psychology research: Recent developments at the University of Edinburgh
Authors: Hutton Paul , Newman Emily , Quayle Ethel , Chan Stella , Taylor Emily , Schwannauer Matthias
Published: January 2023

How can Experts by Experience – and the wider public – become more involved in the research process? We explain how we are striving to address this vital question.
Big ambitions, small timescales: Developing training for the multidisciplinary CAMHS workforce
Authors: Calder Fiona , O’Connor Suzy , Dale Maria , Nisbet Joy
Published: January 2023

Early intervention matters more than ever, but there remain many challenges to effective implementation. This is what NES CAMHS is doing to meet them.
NES and DCP-Scotland – moving forward together
Authors: Thomson Judy
Published: January 2023

Judy Thomson, Director of Training for Psychology Services, introduces this edition of the DCP-S Review.
Stepping up: Implementing psychological therapies and interventions in adult and older-adult mental health services
Authors: Joice Anne , Freeman Laura
Published: January 2023

Widening access while ensuring quality is a particular challenge – especially at a time of austerity. This is just one of many areas in which the NES Psychological Interventions Team has a key role.
Embedding leadership skills from the ground up
Authors: Cameron Shri
Published: January 2023

In the second of our features about leadership training, we take a look at a recent event held for pre-qualification and newly qualified clinical psychologists – the first of its kind. Shri Cameron, who drove the idea from its inception, tells the story and reflects on the day.
How you can stand up for psychology in Scotland
Authors: Chomczuk Callum
Published: January 2023

If we want to have our voices heard by people in power, we have to be willing to speak out… and be clear about what we’re saying.Callum Chomczukof communications consultancy Pagoda Porter Novelli sheds light on political engagement.
Evidence that we can all work together
Authors: Fraser Janet
Published: January 2023

Janet Fraser, Chair of the BPS Division of Occupational Psychology in Scotland, reports on a day that brought together practitioners from different disciplines to ask: what counts as evidence?
Influencing policy in Scotland with the BPS
Authors: Wills John
Published: January 2023

BPS Scotland ChairElizabeth F.S. Hannah& BPS Policy AdvisorNigel Atterprovide a comprehensive summary of BPS engagement with Scottish Parliament, and the priorities for the year ahead. The DCP is keen to promote engagement with policy and supports working groups on issues that members are keen to prioritise.
Research in clinical psychology: How we can contribute and why we should
Authors: Syrett Suzy , Allan Stephanie , Glanaghy Edel Mc , Jackson Jane-Louise
Published: January 2023

Suzy Syrett, Stephanie Allan, Edel Mc Glanaghy and Jane-Louise Jacksonall represented Scotland, and their unique perspective on research, at a DCP-UK qualification event in August 2018. This event focused on the importance of research within clinical psychology. Here they each share their highlights of the day.
Conference notes Spring 2019
Authors: Glanaghy Edel Mc
Published: January 2023

Edel Mc Glanaghyshares her notes from two very different conferences; the DCP Annual Conference, and MQ Scientific Meeting.
Interview with… Dr Harriet Ingle, Postdoctoral Researcher in Climate Psychology
Authors: Ingle Harriet
Published: January 2023

Our Interview series continues withDr Harriet Ingledescribing her work as a climate psychology researcher, and how this emerging field overlaps with Clinical Psychology.
A step towards digital inclusion for forensic service users
Authors: Bathgate Billi-Jo
Published: January 2023

Billi-Jo Bathgate,Assistant Psychologist at The State Hospital, Carstairs, reflects on the impact of digital exclusion on the lives of people who use forensic services.
Division of Clinical Psychology Conference 2021; ‘Doing what matters: Value-driven clinical psychology in action’
Authors: Maher Caragh
Published: January 2023

Caragh Maher,Trainee Clinical Psychologist, shares her review of this year’s DCP conference, hosted virtually.
The Psychology All Party Parliamentary Group learns about Technological Advances in Psychological Therapy
Authors: Cameron Lisa
Published: January 2023

In her regular column,Dr Lisa Cameronreflects on 2020 and shares some of her work to address inequalities and increase representation of minority groups in parliament, our services and our communities.
Spotlight
Authors: Parkes Jenny , Barrett-Waite Johnette
Published: January 2023

Jenny Parkes, Johnette Barrett-WaiteandRoger Christiedescribe a project carried out within one EPS which evaluated a model of consultation piloted for a year. Issues are raised about the use of consultation in EP work, evaluation processes and action research.
Spotlight
Authors: Solity Jonathan , Deavers Rachael , Kerfoot Sue , Crane George , Cannon Karen
Published: January 2023

In thisSpotlight, Jonathan Solity, Rachael Deavers, Sue Kerfoot, George Crane and Karen Cannon describe an ongoing reading project taking place in Essex, and raise questions about the National Literary Strategy and patterns of SEN provision.
Accept LEACEPT A model for the future training of Educational Psychologists
Authors: Imich André , Kerfoot Susan , Lyons Jo , Sigston Allan
Published: January 2023

André Imich,Susan Kerfoot,Jo LyonsandAllan Sigstonoutline a proposed framework for future training. And as an LEA Centred Educational Psychology Training (LEACEPT) course, they argue that it can meet the needs of LEAs and the profession into the next millennium whilst retaining the quality and breadth of training necessary to enter the profession.
Brief therapy to manage challenging behaviour at Key Stage 3
Authors: Freedman Ruth
Published: January 2023

The current project extended over five months, and used SFBT interviews with six identified pupils in years 8 and 9 at a secondary school in Richmond upon Thames, who were presenting with social and behavioural difficulties. These students were receiving no other ‘formal’ educational or clinical interventions at the time, and were considered able to be helped through early intervention. The project aimed to reduce the incidence of inappropriate behaviours and the likelihood of exclusion for these students, to improve their ability to discuss and reflect upon their difficulties and hence enhance their social skills with adults.

Twenty-five interviews were carried out: I interviewed the student, a parent and a key teacher individually to identify strategies that could help the pupil. I finalised these strategies at a fourth meeting with all three parties, and distributed the list of suggestions. It remained the responsibility of the key teacher and of the school to follow the suggestions through and liaise with all relevant teachers.

The project was evaluated in a range of ways and five of the six students clearly made small but noticeable improvements over two terms. In addition there seemed to be a number of interesting and positive gains for the school, which could be further developed.
Educational Psychology: Diversity led, context sensitive and process driven – a view of the future
Authors: Stoker Rob
Published: January 2023

Educational Psychology has roots that go back well before the foundation of The British Psychological Society. Whilst the early work focused on testing and selecting according to aptitude, in recent years the work has taken account of the more complex interaction of factors that influence child learning and development. The impact of peer relationships, of adult behaviour, of social construction, of values and beliefs and of emotion have all been included in the repertoire of the skills of the psychologist working with children and young people. The future looks challenging, exciting and promising as developments in our understanding of the brain, of the relationship between language and thought and of the political and ethical dimensions of our work all act as forces affecting the future of applied psychology in the learning community.
Interview: Jane Turner in conversation with Irvine Gersch
Authors: Turner Jane , Gersch Irvine
Published: January 2023

In 2002, Professor Irvine Gersch was nominated by The British Psychological Society’s Division of Educational and Child Psychology to receive the Society’s award for Distinguished Professional Practice. He received that award in March at the Annual conference this year. Jane Turner interviewed Irvine, hoping it would be of interest to other people to understand why the DECP committee selected him for this nomination.
The impact of date of birth on placement on the Special Educational Needs Register: Variations between category of need, key stage and gender, and the role of standardised assessment
Authors: Greenwood Alison , Ayre Kate
Published: January 2023

The DECP are keen to encourage new entrants into the profession to participate and share their experiences more widely.Debatehas decided to include Educational Psychologists in Training, Assistant Educational Psychologists and Assistant Psychologists within this remit. In the first of a series, this article presents research carried out by Assistant Educational Psychologists in Essex. The Editors welcome contributions that will contribute to a regular flow of articles from people new to the profession.