bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organising CPD for learning disability specialists in the North West of England
Authors: Fleming Ian , Golding Laura
Published: January 2023

This paper describes the content and evaluation of a bespoke continuing professional development (CPD) course for qualified clinical psychologists working with people with a learning disability (LD). It provides details of the pre and post course evaluation and discusses the complexity of meaningfully measuring the outcome of such training and ideas for future work in this area.
Is it worth investing in Statement of Equivalence (SoE) training? Part 2: The Impact of training programme support
Authors: Whittington Adrian , Smalley Victoria , Goble Laura
Published: January 2023

The second of two papers evaluating investment in SoE training, this paper describes the impact of structured training support on outcome of the SoE.
Peer supervision: An assistants’ perspective
Authors: Arran Natalie , Booth Melanie
Published: January 2023

As assistants, we reflect on the benefits of engaging in small-scale and large-scale peer supervision. We also highlight some of the problems and barriers to effective peer supervision.
A trainee and supervisor share their experiences of evaluating supervision
Authors: Holme Abigail , Perry Sarah
Published: January 2023

This article describes how a supervisor and a trainee evaluated supervision. It also includes their reflections on this process after the placement had finished.
‘London in December’: This year’s DCP Annual Conference
Authors: Schakel Hildegard
Published: January 2023

Clinical Psychology Forumtalks toHildegard Schakel, the chair of the Division’s conference subcommittee.
Helping staff teams tell us about the effects of challenging behaviour
Authors: Dagnan Dave
Published: January 2023

We describe an exercise that explores carers understanding of the impacts of challenging behaviour of people with learning disabilities. We suggest that this is useful for understanding the priorities of staff teams who work with people with challenging behaviour.
Reflecting on the clinical, organisational and methodological implications of the Doncaster IAPT site: A commentary on Richards and Suckling
Authors: Kellett Stephen , Matthews Linda
Published: January 2023

In this paper we identify the many and varied benefits, but also the potential clinical, organisational and scientific concerns, of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) demonstration site in Doncaster.
Psychological assessment of change in a high-secure setting
Authors: Manson Kerry
Published: January 2023

This paper describes the findings of a work-based project which aimed to assess how applied psychologists working in a high secure hospital managed organisational change over a three month period.
Setting up and evaluating an anger management group within a low-secure forensic service
Authors: Calvert Clare
Published: January 2023

This article describes the challenges and successes involved in setting up and evaluating an anger management group within a low secure forensic service. Future directions are discussed in light of the lessons learned during implementation of the group.
Making the case forin vivoassessments of clinical competence
Authors: Gallichan Deanna , Mitchell Annie
Published: January 2023

This article was inspired by the first author’s professional issues essay, written during clinical training. This opened up a discussion with the second author, and resulted in the following: a rationale for assessing clinical competence in vivo’ in DClinPsy training.
Introducing mindfulness in an adult mental health setting
Authors: Breton Sue , Harrison Lisa , Howes Hannah
Published: January 2023

An article describing an eight-session group training in mindfulness for adult mental health service users opting to participate when the course has been offered to them as deemed appropriate by their case workers regardless of diagnosis.
Autistic spectrum disorder and attachment: Where are we now?
Authors: Flood Andrea , Perry Ewan P.
Published: January 2023

This paper considers whether early developmental difficulties commonly associated with ASD are a significant influence on a child’s primary attachment relationships. It focuses particularly on the Dynamic Maturational Model (Crittenden, 1995) of attachment and psychopathology.
Strange bedfellows? Setting up a systemic couples service in a sexual health setting
Authors: Butler Catherine
Published: January 2023

This paper describes the challenges and opportunities involved in setting up a systemic couples clinic in a medical setting, with increasing pressures to justify the use of psychologist’s time.
Audit of adherence to a supervision policy: Key findings
Authors: Sloan Graham , McCartney Sheelagh , Holtom Carol , Ronald Peter
Published: January 2023

This article describes the organisational context and processes involved in developing a supervision policy. Issues relevant to staff working within NHS psychology services are discussed.
Delay in opting-in for assessment and questionnaire use as predictors of non-attendance and attrition in psychological treatment
Authors: Beach Keith , Kapur Sheena , Lee Vicki
Published: January 2023

This study explores some factors that may be predictive of failure to opt-in for assessment, DNA at assessment appointments and attrition in therapy.
Family interventions: What do sisters want?
Authors: Pickering Andrea , Tchanturia Kate , Holliday Joanna , Treasure Janet
Published: January 2023

Little is known about the specific needs of siblings discordant for anorexia nervosa. A survey of sister-pairs has indicated useful areas of intervention to help improve the sibling relationship.
Impact of values upon clinical psychology
Authors: Papworth Mark
Published: January 2023

Values have a profound effect upon both our profession and our clinical practice. They influence our conceptualisation of psychological distress, the therapeutic models and approaches that we use, and their application to different population groups.
Naughty not NICE: Implications for therapy and services
Authors: Adams Shona
Published: January 2023

Are we deceiving service users in an attempt to provide good services? The current climate does not encourage innovation within psychological therapy. This article will examine what is currently happening in mental health services, identify problems and explore potential solutions.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 from a community neurorehabilitation perspective
Authors: Hestbech Asser
Published: January 2023

This article summarises the author’s preliminary experience of working with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. After a presentation of the legal test of capacity, the discussion centres on clinical v non-clinical referrals, a dichotomy advanced by a prior CPF article. A complexity principle is being formulated to help facilitate decisions on the appropriateness of non-clinical mental capacity referrals.
Clinical psychologists’ experiences and views of undertaking psychological therapies with clients from Black and minority ethnic communities
Authors: Jones Menna , Devlin Will
Published: January 2023

Widespread commitment among clinical psychologists to working with adults from Black and minority ethnic communities is combined with variable levels of confidence and self-reported competence, and some concerns about the suitability of our current practice for this group
Who cares about the parents? The implicit challenges of monitoring parental disability in child and adolescent services
Authors: Roos Jo
Published: January 2023

In accordance with legislation, childhood disability is routinely monitored in child and adolescent services; however there is no provision to identify parents with disabilities. The present study monitored the prevalence of parental disability and discusses implications and relevant issues.
Incorporating a multi-family therapy group in treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa
Authors: Nesbitt Sophie , Uprichard Stephanie
Published: January 2023

fA multi-family therapy group (MFT) was developed to support young people with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN). This group was effective in supporting all family members in sharing their experience of the illness and the impact that it has on individuals and family experiences.
A critical discourse perspective on ‘Darzi’
Authors: McNicholl Declan
Published: January 2023

This paper critically analyses theNHS Next Stage Reviewreport from a critical discursive analytic perspective.
Accounting for psychological problems: How user-friendly are psychosocial formulations?
Authors: Leeming Dawn , Boyle Mary , Macdonald James
Published: January 2023

Formulation, with its use of psychosocial explanations for psychological problems, has the potential to normalise and destigmatise clients’ difficulties. However, we present findings from a recent study which suggest that for mental health service users, using psychosocial explanations is not a straightforward process.
The big awakening
Authors: Anonymous
Published: January 2023

This paper is an account of the experience of a mother’s contact with child and adolescent mental health services and the transition of her son to adult mental health services.
The Looking Forward Day: an evaluation of group work with HIV+ young people in London
Authors: Campbell Tomás , Beer Hannah , Wilkins Rebecca
Published: January 2023

This paper describes an approach of engaging with young HIV+ people in a group format to equip them with some of the skills necessary to manage their long-term condition.
Service innovation ‘on the cheap’: The development of a health visitor/tier 2 CAMHS partnership
Authors: Craig Jaime , Power Cheryl
Published: January 2023

This paper describes the development of a tier 2 CAMHS/health visiting partnership placement scheme. The background to this partnership initiative are described. Focus group, placement feedback and referral pattern information were used to evaluate the outcomes of the initiative. Perceptions of effectiveness from a health visitor and a tier 2 CAMHS perspective illustrate the reciprocal benefit of the partnership.
Just passing through: Experiences of newly qualified clinical psychologists in temporary contracts working within adult mental health
Authors: Lawton Jane , Line Rachael
Published: January 2023

In a time of change and restructure for adult secondary care many staff have been employed on a temporary basis. This article explores how two newly qualified clinical psychologists have found the process of being employed on temporary contracts since qualifying.
Special educational needs staff’s perceptions of clinical psychologists: What are the implications for merged children’s services?
Authors: Burrow Andrea , Foster Isabel
Published: January 2023

This paper describes how educational staff in a special needs school perceive clinical psychologists. Findings are discussed in relation to the future of the profession in merged multi-agency services.
How are potential black and minority ethnic candidates being attracted into the clinical psychology profession? A review of all UK clinical psychology postgraduate websites
Authors: Shepherd C. , Vanderpuye N. , Saine M.
Published: January 2023

The websites of all UK clinical psychology courses were evaluated by three undergraduate psychology students from BME (Black and minority ethnic) backgrounds. There was significant variability between websites in terms of adequacy of information provided and likely impact on attracting BME applicants.
Narrative Analysis: An often overlooked approach
Authors: Weatherhead Stephen
Published: January 2023

Narrative analysis can be a useful qualitative methodology, particularly where there are a small number of participants, and where the focus of enquiry is upon the relationship between self and culture. However, this approach is often overlooked by psychologists partly due to it being perceived as difficult to both conceptualise and to apply. Some of the key points of Narrative Analysis are presented here, including a diagram outlining how they may fit together.
Undoing the damage: Can staff training change attitudes towards the personality disorder diagnosis?
Authors: Rogers Bertha , Acton Timothy
Published: January 2023

Individuals with a personality disorder are well known to mental health professionals for being difficult to work with (Markham, 2003). A specialist personality disorder service set up general awareness training events for staff to improve their understanding on personality disorder.
The role of the clinical psychologist in deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Tzotzoli Patapia , Jahanshahi Marjan
Published: January 2023

Deep Brain Stimulation therapy is an effective surgical treatment for people with advanced Parkinson’s disease. The clinical psychologist as a core member of the multidisciplinary team plays a multitude of roles to inform medical decisions, improve clinical outcome and patients’ quality of life.
Proposal to map, monitor, and meet clinical psychological need in Early Intervention in Psychosis services
Authors: Raune David , Law Suzanne
Published: January 2023

This paper illustrates how clinical psychologists might proactively map, dynamically monitor, and then more widely meet key psychological needs of clients in Early Intervention in Psychosis services using a programme of group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Clinical psychology trainee perceptions of what facilitates a good placement start
Authors: Hughes Anya , Byrne Michael
Published: January 2023

Questionnaires were administered examining clinical psychology trainee perceptions of what facilitates a good placement start. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis highlighted a variety of supervisor behaviours perceived to facilitate a good start to the learning process of trainees on placement.
From systematic review to quality standards and clinical reality: Inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Curtis Hannah , Lounes Naima , Mountford Victoria , Tchanturia Kate
Published: January 2023

This paper considers how audits and service evaluations could incorporate recent developments such as quality assurance initiatives to assist multi-disciplinary teams to reflect on and improve practice in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.
What therapists feel: Using subjective responses in group supervision to understand the therapeutic relationship in a presented case
Authors: Pickles Charles
Published: January 2023

This paper describes the processes of a supervision group which uses the subjective responses of members to a case presentation to build a picture of the nature or problems surrounding the formation of a useful therapeutic relationship.
Sharing psychological skills with speech and language therapists
Authors: Butcher Peter , Cavalli Lesley , Elias Annie
Published: January 2023

A description is given by a clinical psychologist and two speech and language therapists of common psychological processes associated with psychogenic voice disorder. It is suggested that voice therapy will be more successful when these factors are fully appreciated and voice therapists include psychological assessment and treatment strategies within their therapeutic programme. A course of training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for voice therapists is then described, along with outcome findings.
What do families think of their local Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service? A qualitative analysis of responses to the CORC CHI-ESQ questionnaire
Authors: Graham Julie , Evans Nicola , Chivers Guinevere
Published: January 2023

Service users’ responses to a CAMHS experience of service questionnaire were examined qualitatively. Results correlated well with key aspects of the therapeutic working alliance (Bordin, 1979).
Getting trainees ready for an older adults placement
Authors: Dow Becci , Jones Charlie
Published: January 2023

In this article we offer a guide to trainee clinical psychologists who are preparing to begin an ‘older adults’ placement. We consider ageing from both intrapersonal and interpersonal perspectives, and some of the challenges that trainees may face on placement.
Healthy Reading for Children, Young People and Families in East Lothian
Authors: Richards Cathy , Gunning Melanie , Prescott Natasha
Published: January 2023

Healthy Reading for Children, Young People and Families East Lothian was established to increase accessibility to self-help resources and offer suitable evidence-based resources for children, young people and parents or carers. This article details a service evaluation of the scheme’s first 18 months.
Who’s for history? A look at the histories of British abnormal and clinical psychology
Authors: Hall John
Published: January 2023

This article reflects on what research has been done on the histories of abnormal and clinical psychology in Britain. It outlines the range of resources available, points to scope for further historical research, and makes suggestions for linking those with interests in this area.
Sexuality and ageing: Challenges and opportunities for clinical psychologists
Authors: Sanger Camilla , Persson Joanne K.
Published: January 2023

The population is ageing. Research indicates that older adults remain sexually active, yet research and policy often neglect issues surrounding sexual health in later life. This article outlines ways in which clinical psychologists can normalise and promote positive sexual dialogues with older clients.
Identifying the perceived barriers to reflection in acute mental health settings
Authors: Constable Chloe , Flower Laura
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to explore perceived barriers to reflective practice within acute mental health settings. A thematic analysis of open questions identified a number of perceived barriers. Consequently, recommendations are made for how services can facilitate reflective practice groups.
Using a solution-focused model for case discussion with non-psychology colleagues
Authors: Harris-Waller Jayne , Jacyna Nicola
Published: January 2023

This report gives an account of the development, facilitation and evaluation of a solution-focused reflecting team’s case discussion group for colleagues from local authority children’s services as part of community working in an inner-city child and adolescent mental health service.
Tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and opioids: Is simultaneous cessation beneficial?
Authors: Nistor Mike , Kanellakis Pavlo
Published: January 2023

This article is a review of existing research, using Cochrane principles, suggesting that simultaneous cessation of smoking tobacco and use of alcohol, cannabis and/or opioids is beneficial and that this area appears to be under-researched and population specific.
Developing a culture of compassion: Can’t or won’t
Authors: Rao Amra S.
Published: January 2023

We are sitting with our old mother in the nursing home.

‘Of course I’m lonesome for your kids. But it’s not like being in a strange place where you don’t know anymore.’

She smiles, trying to reassure us. ‘There are plenty of people here from good old Willy.’

She adds. ‘Of course, a lot of them can’t talk’. She pauses, and goes on: ‘A lot of them can’t see’.

She looks at us through her thick-lensed glasses. We know she can’t see anything but light and shadow.

‘I’m the last of the Mohicans, as they say’.

The Last of the Mohicans, Lydia Davis (2013)
Preventing organisational fibrillation: The role of the development of supervision skills
Authors: Walsh Sue , Monaghan Liza
Published: January 2023

As clinical psychologists we are aware of the importance of supervision in the development of thoughtful, self-critical, self-aware clinical practice (Scaife, 2009; Milne, 2009; Fleming & Steen, 2011). However, despite increasing expectation that this is a mandatory aspect of good professional practice (CQC, 2013) on the ground experience suggests that: (a) space for supervision is under attack; and (b) those staff who face the most emotional disturbance at work receive least supervision/emotional containment in their work (Bowers et. al., 2011). This paper aims to restate and reconstruct an argument for the centrality of supervision skills training which more effectively takes account of the organisational contexts in which we work currently and outline the development of a distance learning course created to meet the training needs of a local workforce.
The processes of social exclusion
Authors: Cockersell Peter
Published: January 2023

Social exclusion is associated with complex trauma and is a process that happens in the interface between the social and the individual. Inclusivity therefore needs to take these factors into account, particularly through healing relationships between clients and staff.
Sharing stories of recovery in Uganda
Authors:   The Sharing Stories Venture, Parker Rob
Published: January 2023

The Sharing Stories Venture was honoured to be invited to undertake a series of listening events in Uganda during February 2015 to explore the understanding of recovery in a Ugandan context. The subsequent events not only provided an insight into the views of both service providers and users on the concept and contributing factors in recovery but also valuable lessons on running knowledge exchange events within Uganda.
Psychologists’ views of multidisciplinary team meetings in a physical health setting
Authors: Palmer Kathryn
Published: January 2023

Clinical psychologists are an integral part of physical health services. This small scale study explored psychologists’ opinions of multidisciplinary team meetings and posed the question: Are psychologists in a powerful position to evaluate meetings within hospitals?
Team formulation developments in adult mental health services in South Wales
Authors: Johnstone Lucy , Durrant Caroline , James Lucie , Lewis Heledd , Maybury Elanor , McCann Shelley , Pitt Julian , Sandford Clare , Nam Jenny
Published: January 2023

In this article, we provide an overview of developments in team formulation in Cwm Taf University Health Board, South Wales, over the last four years. We summarise some of the challenges and benefits and outline our aspirations for future developments.
Optimising team formulation to promote effective team care
Authors: Roycroft Patrick , Man Samantha , Downie Ewa , Gale Stephanie , Armstrong Nicola , Page Leanne , Humes Michael
Published: January 2023

We developed a standard biopsychosocial formulation framework for our inpatient teams. Our data suggest that this has helped all disciplines within our teams to work together to create intervention plans based on an understanding of the individual’s strengths and needs.
To formulate or escalate? Ethics and how to respond when relationships break down between NHS services and residential care providers
Authors: Lee Katy , Holmes Nan
Published: January 2023

This article considers how clinical psychologists might respond when relations break down between NHS services and residential care providers. We reflect on times when we may choose to formulate such ruptures or instead decide to escalate concerns (guided by the principles outlined within the Society’sCode of Ethics and Conduct(BPS, 2009)).
Statistical packages and clinical psychology research
Authors: Peck Dave , Dow Mike , Goodall Will
Published: January 2023

A survey of clinical psychology services in Scotland was conducted to determine the availability and use of statistical software packages. Few services use commercially available or free software. The authors recommend several free packages.
Trainee clinical psychologists’ perceptions of unpaid assistant psychologist positions
Authors: Burniston Francesca , Harvey Lucy , Turland Alice , Piggott Katie , Sawer Francesca
Published: January 2023

This study explored trainee clinical psychologists’ experiences of unpaid assistant psychologist posts. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted with trainees and analysed using thematic analysis. Contrary to current debates, trainees described how well-supervised unpaid posts can benefit both post holders and services.
My ode to trans activism
Authors: Stewart Jay
Published: January 2023

‘A self does not amount to much, but no self is an island; each exists in a fabric of relations that is now more complex and mobile than ever before.’ (Lyotard 1984, p.15)
Identifying psychological needs in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and gender dysphoria
Authors: Thurston Meghan D. , Millward Claire , Barratt Hannah
Published: January 2023

Children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria (GD) are being referred more frequently to clinical psychology services. A case example of an adolescent who has been diagnosed with ASD and GD is outlined and issues regarding the clinical management are discussed.
Developing male-friendly interventions and services
Authors: Kingerlee Roger , Woodley Luke , King John
Published: January 2023

‘There is an increasingly strong and visible argument that boys and men need services that are specifically designed around, follows and for, their needs.’ (Wilkins, 2010)

This paper explores this domain and illustrates a little of what has been achieved in the UK, and what could be done in future.
Readiness to engage in therapy for PTSD: A service evaluation of a pilot pre-therapy group within an IAPT service
Authors: Methley Abigail , Woodruff Paula , Sayer Natasha , Nevin Jacqui
Published: January 2023

An individual’s understanding of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its treatment may influence their ability to engage in therapy. This service evaluation reports findings from a pre-therapy group intervention to improve knowledge and readiness for cognitive behaviouraltherapy for PTSD.
‘You’ve hired a psychologist with autism?!’: Reflections on being a trainee clinical psychologist with autism
Authors: Muggleton Joshua , Johnston Katrina
Published: January 2023

Early in my career I found many professionals were surprised, sceptical, and even apprehensive about me working in clinical psychology. My autism presents unique strengths and weaknesses in the practice of clinical psychology. This different balance of abilities is evaluated in respect to the role of a clinical psychologist, with reflections from supervisors on the effect autism has on my work.
The Role of Counselling in the Training of Middle Managers
Authors: Stafford Wendy , Blackman Hazel
Published: January 2023

The contribution of elements of counselling to the management portfolio of large bureaucracies has become increasingly recognized over recent years. But critical examination of ‘recognized’ in this context indicates that this means on the one hand an acknowledgement of the part which interpersonal skills have to play in effective management; and on the other hand, that a disjunction of ‘theory’ and practice exists. All too often that set of skills which we attribute to the tool-bag of the counsellor would be identified and assimilated at an intellectual level by the middle management student on a training course, but not effectively practised in the workplace, thus negating any real meaning for ‘counselling’ as part of the work role.
Interpersonal Skills Training in A Psychology Curriculum: Account of an Experiment and A Compromise
Authors: Sugarman Léonie
Published: January 2023

In the previous edition of the Counselling Psychology Section Review Carol Shillito-Clarke (19&7) expresses the vision of a psychology curriculum in which interpersonal skills training and self-awareness development are an integral part. Her rationale is based on the reflexive nature of psychology and its concern with human behaviour and experience, and on the role of degree-level study in promoting personal development. Her enthusiasm is fuelled by her positive experience of offering an optional course on counselling skills within the psychology degree at Leeds University. The present paper documents how a component of interpersonal skills training and self-development has been incorporated within the Master's degree courses run by the Department of Occupational Psychology at Birkbeck College, tracing the metamorphosis of a first-term, core course in Personal and Professional Competence into a second-year option in Counselling at Work. The paper is written from a position of support for the ideals expressed in Shilli to-Clarke's paper. My hope is that it will contribute to debate concerning the implications - intended or otherwise - of attempts to implement such a vision.
Book Reviews
Authors: Alladin Waseem , Crawford Wendy
Published: January 2023

Reviews of Bringing Up Childrenby Valerie Stone,The Case Study Method in Psychology and Related Disciplinesby Dennis B. Bromley,Counselling in Rehabilitationby William Stewart andHandbook of Social Skills Training and Researchedited by Luciano L. Abate and Michael A. Milan.
Conference Report: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Collard Patrizia
Published: January 2023

On 2 July I attended an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) self-help day at the Institute of Psychiatry at Denmark Hill. My personal interest in this field stems from the fact that, as a counsellor, I help to run a self-help group for people with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders. The conference was the more interesting for pointing out, on more than one occasion, how stress was responsible for causing or worsening the client’s symptoms, or for inducing relapses into patterns once overcome by the patient.
Computerized Treatment for Spider Phobia
Authors: Whitby Paul
Published: January 2023

Spider Phobia Control is a computer programme designed to gently ease patients with spider phobia through a treatment process which they control. Spider PC was conceived and produced by Paul Whitby a clinical psychologist with Gwent Community Health Trust. The software was written by Kevin Allcock, computer pro-grammer.

Exposure therapy, well established as the treatment of choice for simple phobias, is at the client’s fingertips with Spider PC. The programme provides a convenient and flexible hierarchy of arachnid images which make the therapist’s traditional use of illustrations, photos and videos unnecessary.
Current Trends in Counselling Psychology
Authors: Wilson Jenifer Elton
Published: January 2023

The title “current trends” implies diversion from some known and established body or movement. In many ways, counselling psychology is still an unknown discipline in this Society and in Britain itself. In 1990, Ray Woolfe called it “an idea whose time has come” and went on to refer to the process as one of “an infant growing up”. Less encouragingly, there is a tendency for counselling psychology to be seen as a derivative compromise, without respectable historical roots within applied psychology, or a home for failed clinical psychologists. Counselling psychologists hotly dispute this myth, and have spent some energy in searching for clear definitions of their speciality. I should like to quote from Sheelagh Straw-bridge’s paper, presented at the Second Annual Conference of the (then) Special Group in Counselling Psychology (1991): “Counselling psychologists are not … professionals with knowledge to dispense, however caringly, on behalf of others … [but] in a process of coming to know, with another person, something of that other’s world”. It is difficult to avoid the temptation to define this new movement entirely by comparison with other established subsystems of psychology, psychotherapy or counselling. Such an approach can lead to defensive and somewhat aggressively phrased definitions, which rely implicitly on criticism of the “grown-up”, established organizations. Here, then, is my own attempt of a definition of the unique nature of counselling psychology in Britain.
Grounded Theory: A Potential Methodology
Authors: O’Callaghan Jean
Published: January 2023

The central question of this research is concerned with how counsellor trainees experience and perceive aspects of their training in developing competence as counsellors. The researcher, Annemarie Salm, has expressed dissatisfaction with existing theories of counsellor training and a wish to find a more satisfactory model which is sensitive to the “lived experience” of trainees. Grounded theory, as a distinct methodology for developing theory that is grounded in data systematically gathered and analysed by distinct coding procedures, may offer an appropriate mode of inquiry. The kinds of theories that are developed using grounded theory, Strauss and Corbin (1994) acknowledge are interpretations made from given perspectives as adopted by a researcher who needs to remain open to the essentially provisional character of every theory. Given the essentially interpretative and provisional nature of such findings from this method of inquiry, it is proposed in this paper to briefly outline what is involved in using grounded theory and then explore some of the implications of this approach in relation to the present research proposal.
Survey of BPS Division of Counselling Psychology Members; 1999
Authors: Bor Robert , Achilleoudes Helen
Published: January 2023

This study represents the first survey of all members of the British Psychological Society’s (BPS) Division of Counselling Psychology. The aim was to provide demographic information of members and in particular counselling psychologists and to describe their professional and client practice. The sampling frame used was the BPS Division of Counselling Psychology membership list and all members were sent a postal questionnaire. The response rate was 34 per cent with 385 out of 1128 questionnaires returned. Among the major findings were: one third of members are chartered as counselling psychologists; two thirds of members are women; there is a bimodal distribution in terms of age with clusters among those in their 30s and 50s; and many are undertaking further study on courses or via the independent training route to attain chartered status. A high proportion of practitioners are self-employed, offer an integrative model of practice for problems with adults such as anxiety, depression, stress and relationship problems and charge on average £40 per session for short to medium term work. Many have dual or multiple professional registrations. Supervision is sought by the majority of Division members. In spite of some methodological limitations, the study provides interesting insights into the training and practice of counselling psychologists. It also provides a baseline for future surveys, making it possible to describe the developments in counselling psychology in the UK.
Second Response– Training Counselling Psychologists: What role for evidence-based practice?
Authors: Hart Nicola M.T. , Hogan Kevin M.
Published: January 2023

Nicky Hart, the course director of the Wolverhampton course and her colleague Kevin Hogan rose to the challenge of giving voice to the issues involved in teaching evidence-based practice.
Ethical debates within counselling psychology: Recent debates in the literature
Authors: Fairclough Jacqueline
Published: January 2023

‘The harsher the reality of the world imposed on people, the more blandly seductive the concepts with which we are induced to frame our experience. ‘Enjoyment’ becomes the key, publicly endorsed criterion of a worthwhile life, behind which, however, reigns a terror of insecurity. An almost hysterical mediatised incitement to self-indulgence runs alongside a pitiless dismantlement of the social support systems of the poor, weak and disadvantaged; the public world is progressively impoverished while the private imagination is fed with ever more ‘exciting’ promises of sensual enrichment.’ (Lasch, 1985, p.18)
A brief reflection on Counselling Psychology
Authors: Bor Robert
Published: January 2023

Part of a Special Edition of Counselling Psychology Review on the theme of ‘The First Ten Years. Personal memoirs and a number of reflections and articles from people who have helped to shape Counselling Psychology.
Thoughts on becoming, being and developing as a Counselling Psychologist
Authors: Strawbridge Sheelagh
Published: January 2023

Part of a Special Edition of Counselling Psychology Review on the theme of ‘The First Ten Years. Personal memoirs and a number of reflections and articles from people who have helped to shape Counselling Psychology.
Reflections on the past: Thoughts about the future
Authors: Milton Martin
Published: January 2023

Part of a Special Edition of Counselling Psychology Review on the theme of ‘The First Ten Years I thought I would take the opportunity that this special 12-year issue provides us with and think about the development of the profession here in the UK. Use it as a chance to reflect on the past and the present and to speculate a little about the future.
Willingness to use psychological help among Polish immigrants in the UK
Authors: Bassaly Agnes , Macallan Helen
Published: January 2023

This study sought to investigate attitudes toward psychological help among first-generation Polish immigrants in the UK. Within the context of theories of Minority Identity Development (Sue & Sue, 1990) and Psychological resilience (Block & Kremen, 1996) this study set out to test the hypothesis of an association between cultural identity resilience and attitudes toward seeking psychological help. Three female participants took part in the pilot study, where interview material was analysed using Thematic Analysis method. From this, Accessibility and Acceptability were identified as important new dimensions of willingness to seek psychological help. In the main study 83 female and 17 male Polish immigrants completed three self-report measures: The Polish Cultural Attitudes (Fernandez, 1988), Ego-resiliency scale (Block & Kremen, 1996) and revised Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help – ATSPH (Fisher & Turner, 1970). Multiple regression analysis was used to test hypotheses. Only exclusive commitment to Polish cultural values (Resistance) was found to be a predictor of ATSPH scores, with participants who endorsed those values least likely to seek psychological help. Resilience was only related to the Accessibility sub-scale of the ATSPH. These results indicate possible difficulties in accessing services for less resilient Polish immigrants in the UK who reject British cultural values.
Counselling Psychologists in the workplace
Authors: Kinder Andrew
Published: January 2023

Part of a special edition on the everyday working lives of counselling psychologists.
Assessing clients’ satisfaction with psychological services: Development of a multidimensional Client Satisfaction Survey Questionnaire
Authors: Popovic Miodrag , Milne Derek , Barrett Paul
Published: January 2023

The aim of this project was to develop a client satisfaction questionnaire that would enable users’ views to be incorporated in service evaluation.

Client satisfaction surveys and other quality assurance methods are described and discussed and some related issues are outlined. The development, piloting and use of a new and multi-dimensional client satisfaction survey questionnaire with clients of the specific adult mental health (AMH) service are presented, analysed and discussed.

The study utilised a number of experts (colleagues, client-volunteers, supervisors, administrative manager, Community Health Council) in order to investigate face and content validity of the new scale. To investigate test-retest reliability, the questionnaire was administered twice within two weeks to the same clients (N1=61, N2=45).

Results indicate that the new client satisfaction questionnaire (CSSQ-C) is a valid instrument with good psychometric properties (internal and test-retest reliability).
Psychotherapy’s inescapable assumptions about human nature
Authors: Joseph Stephen
Published: January 2023

The Register of Psychologists Specialising in Psychotherapy is important because of its inclusive stance, its openness to diversity, and the opportunity it provides to reflect on the ideology underpinning practice. I will argue that there are fundamental differences in psychotherapeutic approaches that we need to recognise and that rather than defining ourselves as therapists in relation to the techniques we use, dialogue and debate would be strengthened if we were to focus instead on the meta-theoretical assumptions underpinning practice. In this article, I will argue that the medical model has become so pervasive in Western culture that it has almost become invisible as the dominant meta-theoretical framework for practice. By contrasting the medical model with the person-centred approach, the aim is to highlight the differences in meta-theory.
A Blue Tit got me thinking … Reflections on the therapeutic aspects of human–animal relationships
Authors: Owen Jill
Published: January 2023

As I was working with a very anxious client the other day, she suddenly noticed a Blue Tit in the bush right beside my window. She stopped talking for a couple of minutes while she watched it and then commented that watching such a beautiful creature at such close quarters had made her feel instantly calmer. I had followed her gaze and I too had experienced a positive emotional response. This calming impact of animals is not at all unusual and in looking at the therapeutic effects of the natural world, it is clear that animals can play a major part.
Journey into the natural world of the counselling psychologist
Authors: Shillito-Clarke Carol
Published: January 2023

Point of Departure

Q: What has ‘The Natural World’ got to do with being a Counselling Psychologist? It is obvious that you have a personal interest in travel to wild places, in walking and in TV programmes about such things but isn’t counselling psychology about you in your room talking with clients and supervisees about their problems not your interests?”

A: ‘Yes’, except I see that as a very narrow view of human nature and what counselling psychology is about, you see…
Talking Point Are connectionist models useful in counselling psychology? An opinion piece
Authors: Ward Tony
Published: January 2023

This paper argues that whilst connectionist models may appear reductionist and over simplified to many counselling psychologists, they have the potential to stimulate theoretical thinking and debate. The argument is illustrated with reference to a model of person centred client processes. It is concluded that such simulations can lead to novel predictions and make important suggestions relevant to practice. Furthermore, it is suggested that they can be an important tool in thinking about theoretical integration.
Dramatherapy and cognitive readjustment
Authors: Grainger Roger
Published: January 2023

Personal Construct Psychology demonstrates a clear connection between depression and the dramatic impulse located in the tendency of ‘tight’ construers to variability of mood due to lack of flexibility in the way in which they deal with the cognitive-emotional problems confronting them. Depression involves turning back on oneself and not making new contacts. There is a need to break away from one’s own preoccupations, in order to undergo an experience of radical contact with other people. Theatre makes this confrontation between personal worlds feasible by introducing a third intermediary ‘world’, that of the play, the world of shared imagination. Controlled access to this allows the distance between self and other to be controlled; ‘under-distanced’ people, who find others’ relating intrusive and/or confusing, may explore the experience of making contact with them without being overwhelmed by their presence. Theatre provides actors with a way of practising self-exposure; for a dramatherapist’s clients, the dramatic medium permits a measure of first-hand experience of actually sharing a closeness of personal contact which they may previously have kept at arms’ length. Dramatherapy provides an exercise in sharing a transitional space with a view to learning how to leave it behind.
Systemic thinking and circular questioning in therapy with individuals
Authors: Athanasiades Chris
Published: January 2023

Systemic ideas and techniques have been shown to be of significant therapeutic value in therapy with individuals (Hedges, 2005). The present article aims to show the relevance and usefulness of systemic thinking and of a particular systemic questioning technique known as ‘circular questioning’ in therapeutic work with individuals. Circular questions are typically used in two contexts: (a) to elicit information about the client and their family or social circle and (b) to help the client reach a better understanding of their situation within the influences of their familial and social environment. It is argued that, in addition to their therapeutic value in family therapy, circular questions can be of significant benefit to therapeutic work with individual clients, too. For example, circular questions have an empowering effect as they invite the client to take an active role in their own therapy. Additionally, circular questions help remove the obstacles of self-blame thus taking the client closer to change. Finally, circular questions enable the therapist to maintain a neutral position which, in turn, benefits the therapeutic alliance.
‘CBT or Not CBT’, is that really the question? Re-considering the evidence base – the contribution of process research
Authors: Fairfax Hamilton
Published: January 2023

As practitioners in both the National Health Serivce (NHS) and private practice Counselling Psychologists will be aware the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published guidelines for the psychological treatment of the main psychiatric disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OCD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Schizophrenia). NICE identifies evidencebased psychological treatments for each disorder and can, therefore, claim to identify criteria for ‘best practice’ (NICE, 2008). Based on the highest graded evidence base of Randomised Controlled Trials, (RCTs), they suggest that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or specialist models of CBT should be the treatment of choice. As a result of this, and wider political interest in mental health, Lord Layard (2006) published proposals that attempt to implement NICE recommendations. Although this has significant implications for the NHS, it is also increasingly relevant for private practice as insurance providers, for example, begin to identify evidence-based treatment for their clients. Treatment decisions, therefore, may become less focused on clinical assessment by the clinician and more about the request of the purchaser, e.g. private health insurance. This article discusses some of the main criticisms of the NICE guidelines, and proposes that better foundations for an ‘evidence base’ in psychotherapeutic interventions are provided by process and relational studies.
Mandatory personal therapy during Counselling Psychology training
Authors: Simms Jane
Published: January 2023

The utility of personal therapy during counselling psychology training is the subject of much debate. This article is a trainee’s reflection of her experiences in personal therapy during training, and this is embedded within the wider literature. Whilst she acknowledges this is a subjective account, it is envisaged that it will nonetheless contribute to the ongoing debate. The personal view held by the trainee is that the mandatory requirement during training is necessary as it not only characterises the unique features of counselling psychology as a profession but it is a critical component of personal and professional development.
Launching IndEx
Authors: Rudd Betty , Jordan Lynne
Published: January 2023

Step back from everyday practice and think about what matters to you and the field of practice in which you work.
The future of Counselling Psychology: A view from inside
Authors: Goldstein Ralph
Published: January 2023

Claims about the future of Counselling Psychology, or any other Division within the British Psychological Society, depend ultimately on the future of psychology itself. The foundational question to be debated by us all concerns the kinds of psychology we generally wish to espouse and to bring to the public, as the Society’s centennial motto had it. In order to achieve such ends, psychologists must lead the setting of our own competences and philosophical value systems. Current obstacles to this vision are set out, so that they may be overcome in the next 10 years.