bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘There is a battle within yourself’ Exploring the experience of a split sense of self among inpatients with eating disorders
Authors: Spivack Anna , Willig Carla 
Published: January 2023

AimsThis study is concerned with the subjective experiences of people with eating disorders in a specialist inpatient clinic. It seeks to gain an insight into what it feels like to be an inpatient in an eating disorders clinic, observing overall aspects of the experience as well as both challenging and helpful aspects of inpatient life and treatment.MethodEight female inpatients with eating disorders, aged 12 to 17, were interviewed. All participants were current inpatients at an eating disorders clinic in a large city in England, and were nearing the end of their treatment. Participants’ narratives of their experiences were analysed qualitatively, using interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify common themes in the interviews.FindingsThe main theme emerging from interviews was the participants’ split sense of self. Participants experienced the presence of both an Anorectic self and a non-Anorectic self. The stronger the Anorectic self, the more negative the inpatient experience, and vice versa. When the Anorectic and non-Anorectic selves were equally powerful, participants experienced strong ambivalence about the inpatient experience.Implications for PracticeIn the light of these observations, we propose that therapeutic interventions may benefit from attempting to facilitate an integration of the two senses of self, rather than reinforcing their opposition by cultivating only the non-Anorectic self and supporting its battle against the Anorectic self.
A preliminary exploration into the prevalence of Early Maladaptive Schemas in a group of people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Stalmeisters Dzintra , Brannigan Chris 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundResearch into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and the impact that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is having on this disabling illness is increasing. However, although schemas have been associated with ME/CFS, research into this relationship does not appear evident.AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of schemas as described by Young, Klosko and Weishaar (2003), namely Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) in people with ME/CFS.Method40 people with ME/CFS and 40 people from a non-clinical population completed Young’s Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3).ResultsBoth mean and frequency scores were analysed. The t-test indicated that the schema social isolation was significantly prevalent in the ME/CFS population, however, few people experienced this as an early maladaptive schema. Frequency scores which identified percentages at a ‘therapeutically’ significant level revealed that the schemas, Unrelenting Standards (URS) and Self-Sacrifice were dominant in both groups. URS was endorsed by 47.5per cent of the ME/CFS group and by 25 per cent of the non-clinical population. The schema Self-Sacrifice was endorsed by 27.5 per cent of the ME/CFS group and 25 per cent of the nonclinical population.ConclusionThe paper suggests that given the prevalence of the schemas URS and Self-Sacrifice it might be beneficial to assess for these schemas with a view to working with them theraputically. Potentially the schemas may contribute to the perpetuation of ME/CFS affecting the individual’s management and experience of the illness. Additionally, because of the degree of social isolation identified in the ME/CFS group, it is suggested that delivering treatment in groups could go someway to reducing the social isolation experienced by people with this debilitating illness. However, further research in both these areas is necessary.
Is it time we turn towards ‘third wave’ therapies to treat depression in primary care? A review of the theory and evidence with implications for counselling psychologists
Authors: Bhanji Salena 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionThe current Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) agenda that focuses on the widespread dissemination of CBT in primary care services is considered alongside the emergence of third wave therapies and their role in the treatment of depression.ReviewTheoretical models and empirical outcomes for Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, Metacognitive Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as third wave treatments for depression are examined with implications for how mindfulness approaches can be integrated into the therapeutic work of counselling psychologists (CoPs).ConclusionFurther theoretical and empirical considerations for the inclusion of third wave therapies into the IAPT agenda are discussed with suggestions for further research.
The therapist’s use of self: A closer look at the processes within congruence
Authors: Omylinska-Thurston Joanna , James Pamela E. 
Published: January 2023

Background and research aimsThe researcher’s aim was to find out from person-centred practitioners how they process their inner experiences in the therapeutic relationship. From a theoretical standpoint, it meant creating a framework of processes and stages within congruence.MethodologySeven person-centred therapists were interviewed with regard to how they processed and used a strong feeling, thought or sensation that they experienced with a client. Data was gathered using semistructured interviews. Grounded Theory Approach was used to analyse the data.ResultsIt was found that the therapists processed their internal experiences in the therapeutic relationship through the stages of Receiving, Processing, Expressing and Confirming.ConclusionsIt seems that to be able to use ‘the self’ in the therapeutic relationship counselling psychologists need to be present and tuned-in internally to create conditions for receiving thoughts and feelings from clients. According to the therapists participating in this study who used their internal experiences in therapy, it seemed helpful for clients and a key aspect of the therapeutic process. It did require, however, the therapists to have a high level of self-awareness and internal discipline in order not to ‘act-out’ and misuse power in the therapeutic relationships. These findings indicate the importance of continuous personal development for practising counselling psychologists
How should counselling psychologists investigate their practice in an era of volatility?
Authors: Corrie Sarah , Lane David A. 
Published: January 2023

Content and FocusCounselling psychologists offer their services to clients in organisational, political and economic contexts that are characterised by increasing levels of complexity, uncertainty and turbulence. Investigating the effectiveness of what we do remains critical to the future of the psychology professions, but our traditional approaches to scientific enquiry may not be adequate for the types of dilemma generated by complexity.ConclusionsThis paper describes a framework, adapted from contemporary complexity theory, that can support us in thinking systematically and creatively about the range of investigative skills we might need if professional practice is to prove fit for purpose in the decades to come. It is proposed that complexity theory can assist us in responding creatively to the dilemmas of living and working in unprecedented times.
The identity crisis in trainee counselling psychology research
Authors: Kasket Elaine , Gil-Rodriguez Elena 
Published: January 2023

Content and FocusIn 2009, the threshold of registration for counselling psychologists in the UK was set at doctoral level, meaning that henceforth trainees in the field will generally be expected to produce a piece of doctoral - level research in order to qualify. Uncertainties and debates around counselling psychology’s identity, distinctiveness, and contribution have affected research produced by trainees, to the extent that doctoral candidates are often not meeting the doctoral criteria of extending the forefront of the discipline and being at the cutting edge of professional practice, as set out in the Framework for Higher Education in England and Wales.ConclusionsThe authors present a list of traps derived from their experience of supervising and examining doctoral research into which trainees, supervisees and examiners may fall in creating that body of research, and suggest ways of ensuring that trainee research work truly extends the forefront of and contributes to the practice of counselling psychology.
‘Being kinder to myself’: A prospective comparative study, exploring post-trauma therapy outcome measures, for two groups of clients, receiving either Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Compassionate Mind Training
Authors: Beaumont Elaine , Galpin Adam , Jenkins Peter 
Published: January 2023

Background/Aims/ObjectivesThis prospective, comparative outcome study was designed to contrast the relative impact of differing therapeutic interventions for trauma victims, carried out by the same therapist.Methods/MethodologyA non-random convenience sample (N=32) of participants, referred for therapy following a traumatic incident, were randomly assigned to receive up to 12 sessions of either Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), or CBT coupled with Compassionate Mind Training (CMT). A repeated measures design was used and data was analysed using analysis of variance. Data was gathered pre-therapy and post-therapy, using three self-report questionnaires (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; Impact of Events Scale; the Self-Compassion Scale).Results/FindingsResults supported two of the three original hypotheses. Participants in both conditions experienced a highly statistically significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, avoidant behaviour, intrusive thoughts and hyper-arousal symptoms post-therapy. Participants in the combined CBT and CMT condition developed statistically significant higher self-compassion scores post-therapy than the CBT-only group [F(1,30)=4.657, p..05]. There was no significant difference between treatment groups.Discussion/ConclusionsThe results suggest that CMT may be a useful addition to CBT for clients suffering with trauma-related symptoms. In conclusion, high levels of self-compassion are linked to a decrease in anxiety and depression and trauma-related symptoms.
Towards a grounded theory of therapist hope
Authors: O'Hara Denis J. , O'Hara E. Fiona 
Published: January 2023

AimTo identify and explore: (i) how therapists conceptualise hope; and (ii) how they operationalise and work with hope in therapy.Method and AnalysisTwo sets of data were gathered for analysis. The first set came from a short-answer questionnaire completed by 65 trainee and experienced therapists. The second data set was provided by semistructured interviews conducted with 11 therapists. The interview data was transcribed and with the questionnaire data was analysed collectively using grounded theory.FindingsA large range of findings was produced from the study and is broadly organised into outcomes about the nature and function of hope within therapy and hope-focused strategies. Amongst other important findings, the centrality of the therapeutic relationship in the development of hope was consistently highlighted.DiscussionThe majority of previous research on hope has focused on client hope. While therapist hope has been recognised in the literature for some time, relatively little research has been conducted to explore therapist hope. The findings of the study provide insight into how therapists think about hope and its place in therapy. The paper discusses how therapists engage with hope in therapy and identifies some of the perceived strengths and limitations to working with hope. A range of hope-focused strategies are discussed under the headings of relationship-focused, task-focused and transcendence-focused strategies. Limitations of the study are acknowledged and recommendations for future research are offered.
Counselling for sight loss. Using Hermeneutic Single Case Efficacy Design methods to explore outcome and common factors
Authors: Thurston Mhairi , McLeod John , Thurston Allen 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundSight loss can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts, social isolation and loneliness. Although there is growing recognition of the need to provide emotional support for people with sight loss, little is known about effective counselling interventions for this client group.AimsThe aim of this study was to contribute to an understanding of the nature of counselling for sight loss by carrying out a Hermeneutic Single Case Efficacy Design (HSCED) study in which the client was a 70-year-old woman who had experienced sudden and irreversible post-operative sight loss.MethodThe client received six sessions of counselling from a sight-impaired counsellor, working within a pluralistic framework informed by a common factors perspective. The client completed outcome and process measures at each session, and was interviewed at the end of therapy and at follow-up. All counselling sessions were recorded and transcribed. These data formed a rich case record, which was analysed by an inquiry team, using an HSCED procedure. Ethical approval was obtained from the University Research Ethics Committee to conduct this study, and the client engaged in an informed consent process at the beginning and end of her therapy.ResultsResults indicated that the client reported considerable benefit from the counselling she had received. The most important aspects of the therapy process were: feeling understood; being able to express emotions around the loss of sight; finding a new identity; identifying strategies for coping with fear, loss, dependency and other people’s perceptions; exploring the possibility of a future without sight; making sense of things, and finding ways to become more socially connected. These themes are discussed in relation to the development of a model of counselling for sight loss based on a common factors approach.ImplicationsThe findings of this study suggest that systematic case study research and a common factors perspective have the potential to deepen our understanding of issues presented by specific client groups.
Where oh where are the clients? The use of client factors in counselling psychology
Authors: Gordon Ruth 
Published: January 2023

Content and FocusClient factors have been sorely neglected in counselling psychology. This is despite much research demonstrating their importance for therapeutic outcomes. The present paper reviews the use of client factors in counselling psychology. In the last few years an emerging group of authors have begun to put the client back on centre stage. A new philosophy of the client is blossoming: the client as an active self-healer. The role of the therapist is not redundant, however. The latest common factors research shows that it is the interaction of the common factors which accounts for outcomes. The therapist facilitates the conditions which harness these self-healing capacities of the client.ConclusionsIn order to fully harness client abilities, therapists should actively manipulate both internal and external client factors. It is suggested that client feedback provides an empirically supported example of how these abilities can be exploited. More research is required in this domain, particularly examining what clients may themselves to do ensure they get the most out of the therapeutic process.
Theoretical Paper Psychodynamic considerations on clinical work with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Ishaq Masrita 
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus:This paper will look at the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder from a psychodynamic perspective. Generally, it is espoused that a traumatic event alone is not sufficient to cause significant psychological disturbance. Instead, the complex interplay between developmental and adult experiences contributes to this. To locate this paper within the counselling psychology ethos of drawing links between theory and practice, a fictional client – John Gubbins – will be used to illustrate this model. Specifically, I will consider Fairbairn’s tripartite structural model of ego and internal transitional techniques to understand the neurotic conflicts of combat PTSD. This will then be applied along with other psychodynamic concepts such as transference and counter transference to explore the therapeutic work and relationship.Conclusions:Fairbairns’s tripartite structural model of the ego offers a relational view on the neurotic manifestations of combat-related PTSD. John’s case illustrates the frequency of oscillation between the schizoid and depressive positions. The reintegration of split off bad objects and the use of counter transference have been the main feature of my work with John.
In what ways can Universities make a relevant contribution to the provision on relevant continuing professional development (CPD) activities for EPs?
Authors: Morris Sue , Brightman Carole 
Published: January 2023

Within the context of the increased entitlement by practising EPs to dedicated CPD support, and of increased accountability to engage in relevant activity to maintain the levels of scholarship and professional skill necessary for effective service delivery, this paper explores the role which higher education institutions (HEIs) may be able to fulfil in the provision of CPD activities for EPs, and in the accreditation of the related learning outcomes and competences. In the recent past, the principal contribution of the HEIs has been in providing post-qualification research doctoral programmes for experiencing practitioners. The paper questions whether, with current cohorts of trainee EPs completing their initial postgraduate training with a doctoral qualification, and with anticipated radical changes to EPs’role demands within the restructured Children’s Workforce, it is timely for HEIs to review their role and provide a wider range of accredited learning and development opportunities for EPs.This question is explored via a small-scale postal survey amongst an opportunity sample comprised of three cohorts of experienced EPs who engaged in an accredited short course in ‘Autistic Spectrum Disorders’ for EPs at the University of Birmingham over the period from September, 2002, to July, 2005.Findings indicate a very mixed response, with overall trends suggesting that features of the accredited programme such as its duration, depth and breadth of coverage, rigour, level of scholarship and quality of presenters had been highly valued, but that the requirement to produce assessed written work was not welcomed by a majority of participants, and that the opportunity to accrue credits which could be used toward a specialist Postgraduate Diploma or other award were neither relevant nor attractive features of the course for a majority.The paper aims to promote dialogue within the profession about the future role of HEIs as providers of CPD opportunities for EPs.
British Psychological Society Submission to the Education and Skills Select Committee Inquiry into Bullying
Authors: Fingleton Kath , Grandison Karen 
Published: January 2023

The response was prepared on behalf of the British Psychological Society by Sandra Dunsmuir, Tiny Arora, David Farrington, Norah Frederickson, Beverley Graham, Jey Monsen, Ian Rivers, Kevin Rowland and Liz Simmonds.The editors have selected parts of this impressive and important contribution to the Education and Skills Select Committee Inquiry into Bullying for publishing inDebate.The full submission and references (21 pages) can be located on the British Psychological Society’s website (www.bps.org.uk). There are eight pages of references which are very comprehensive and would be an extremely useful database for services, trainee EPs and others interested in this area.
A Code-A-Text analysis of educational psychologists’ reports submitted to statutory assessments procedures
Authors: Buck David 
Published: January 2023

There is a wealth of discussion (e.g. Gilham, 1978; Frederickson, Webster & Wright, 1991; Lokke, Gersch, M’gadzah & Frederickson, 1997) on the nature of psychological assessments within the educational psychology profession. However, little attention has been directed on how these are actually used for the allocation of special needs provision. Such research could inform the development of assessment methods by investigating which information or data is most helpful in decision-making. This study complements earlier research by the author, which has investigated the effect of standardised test scores on decision-making and the constructs of the decision-makers themselves (Buck, 1998, 1999; Buck & Youngman, 1996).This study investigates the relationship between the text content within educational psychologists’ (EPs) reports and the actual provision specified on the Statements of Special Educational Needs (SENs) issued by local education authorities (LEAs) during statutory assessment procedures in the UK. The EP reports were analysed using the text analysis software ‘Code-A-Text’.The results show how certain assessment information within the reports associates more closely with some categorisations of SEN than others. Doubts are raised over the consistency of evidence used in order to classify a large group of children as presenting ‘moderate learning difficulties’ and hence the validity of this category.It is hoped this research will contribute to the long debate on the nature of educational psychologists’ assessments and their report writing by investigating their practical effects on decision-making. The companion article in this volume reports a similar investigation of the other reports submitted in statutory assessment procedures.
Growing up with a gay parent:Views of 101 gay fathers on their sons’ and daughters’ experiences
Authors: Barrett Helen , Tasker Fiona 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWithin the context of a review of the literature on gay male parents and their children, preliminary findings are reported from a postal survey of gay parents recruited through advertisements for volunteers. One hundred and one gay and bisexual parents located in the United Kingdom and Eire provided information about their routes to parenting, partners’ involvement with parenting, successes in meeting common parenting challenges and their eldest sons’ and daughters’ responses to growing up with a gay parent. Results appear to confirm previous findings concerning the diversity of parenting circumstances of gay and bisexual men. Men with cohabiting male partners reported themselves as successfully meeting a variety of parenting challenges. While older children were more likely to know of their father’s sexual identity, few gender differences were reported in response to this knowledge. Issues for further exploration are identified.
Multidisciplinary use of ‘structured teaching’ to promote consistency of approach for children with autistic spectrum disorder
Authors: Howley Marie , Preece David , Arnold Terence 
Published: January 2023

AbstractConsistency of approach across environments is an integral part of service delivery for children with autistic spectrum disorders in Northamptonshire. These services use the ‘structured teaching’ approach developed by Division TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children). A collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to using structured teaching has been established involving practitioners from education, social services, health and voluntary agencies, enabling cohesive provision of services to be developed. This paper describes how different agencies worked together to meet the needs identified by two families. A narrative case study approach illustrates how collaborative practice was used to develop appropriate and consistent provision across settings. There are clearly limitations to this case study approach. However, it is anticipated that the conclusions might relate to other situations and a number of tenets for effective multi-disciplinary working are therefore proposed.