bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research Paper An investigation into counselling psychologists' research activity: Motives, facilitators and barriers -a contextual perspective
Authors: Apostolopoulou Angelika , Skourteli Marina C 
Published: January 2023

Background/AimsThe ‘scientist-practitioner’ and the ‘reflective-practitioner’ are the preferred models of training and practice within the discipline of counselling psychology. However, chartered counselling psychologists seem to exhibit a diminished interest for research engagement and remarkably low research productivity. The present study aims to identify and investigate factors that may motivate, facilitate or hinder counselling psychologists’ engagement with research, whilst taking into account the context within which research activity takes place.MethodologyThe present paper presents the first, quantitative part of a larger mixed-methods research project investigating the relationship of chartered counselling psychologists with research. Data was collected from 94 chartered counselling psychologists (living and practicing either in Greece or the UK), who completed online two self-report questionnaires (CP-RAS and SAS). Multiple Linear Regression was subsequently conducted in order to predict and explain the relationship between motivational, facilitating, hindering and contextual factors with chartered counselling psychologists’ scholarly activity.ResultsAnalysis revealed that motivation, but not facilitating, hindering or contextual factors, was a significant predictor of counselling psychologists’ research activity, even after controlling for key demographic variables. Participants’ gender, years of professional experience and professional post were also significant predictors of research activity, with males, practitioners with more years of professional experience and academics reporting higher scholarly activity.DiscussionThe present study offers useful insight into the factors enhancing or thwarting counselling psychologists’ engagement with research. The results are examined in relation to existing literature, and the implications for the training, research and practice of counselling psychology are discussed.
Research Paper What is known about the post-traumatic growth experiences among people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS? A systematic review and thematic synthesis of the qualitative literature
Authors: Amos India 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundMuch of the literature suggests that a diagnosis of HIV, or any other chronic illness, heralds a major transformation that is frequently characterised by negative psychological outcomes. However, there has been increasing recognition of the profound positive changes that can follow the diagnosis of a lifethreatening illness such as HIV, causing researchers to examine experiences of post-traumatic growth among people living with HIV/AIDS.Data sourcesFrom the 95 studies retrieved from PsycINFO, MEDLINE and CINAHL, and additional incorporated search strategies, eight studies were included in the review.Data synthesisA thematic synthesis was selected with the aim to ‘go beyond’ the findings of the primary studies included in the review in order to generate new concepts related to the experience of PTG among people living with HIV/AIDS.ResultsThe findings of this systematic review suggest that experiences of post-traumatic growth do exist among people living with HIV and manifest themselves across the following four areas: (i) reconsideration of the self; (ii) reordering of values; (iii) redefinition of purpose; and (iv) reconstruction of time.ConclusionTherapeutic practitioners may want to take advantage of increasing their awareness of working effectively with presentations of post-traumatic growth, where the facilitation of growth may be considered as a clinical intervention different from interventions designed to alleviate distress.
Theoretical Paper Rivals or roommates? The relationship between evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence in studies of Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Foster Emma 
Published: January 2023

Context & FocusThe current environment in which mental health services are provided is dynamic and ever-changing and service delivery managers face difficult business decisions regarding the allocation of resources. These decisions may often fall in the favour of evidence-based treatments but these may be seen to conflict with the humanistic and phenomenological values underpinning counselling psychology. This paper seeks to critically discuss research and measurement issues in evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence within the context of counselling psychology focusing on a current clinical disorder, anorexia nervosa.ConclusionThe paper proposes that evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence are both highly relevant to counselling psychologists aiming to help individuals with anorexia and that neither approach is more valid than the other. It favours the model proposed by Barkham et al. (2010) which illustrates the dynamic and cyclical relationship between evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence where each approach informs and responds to the other.
Guest Editorial
Authors: Ade-Serrano Yetunde , Nkansa-Dwamena Ohemaa 
Published: January 2023

Content & FocusIn this editorial, we voice the unspoken and illuminate the subtle expressions of ‘race’ discrimination, in an effort to amend and repair our relationship with ‘race’ within a profession we are immensely proud of and that which forms a part of our identities. As individual practitioners, we desire a shift in our continued professional development and a true recognition of the visible but hidden phenomenon of ‘race’. We long for legitimacy and a lifelong ideal where, although issues may exist, we are able to experience, dissect, learn, and disseminate knowledge. We want counselling psychology to actively partake in the dialogue around race; and be a driving force to carry through advocacy for our clients and for ourselves.
How do trauma therapists experience the effects of their trauma work, and are there common factors leading to post-traumatic growth?
Authors: Bartoskova Lucie 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundRecent studies on the effects of trauma work among trauma therapists have shown that the outcome is not exclusively negative, as trauma therapists also report positive experiences known as post-traumatic growth. Some preliminary understandings have emerged from limited research of individuals’ experience of post-traumatic growth in trauma therapists. This study has therefore been designed to gain insights into trauma therapists’ experiences of their trauma work and to understand the potential factors enabling post-traumatic growth.MethodTo gain an understanding of the trauma work individualistic experience, qualitative approach has been adapted. A total of 10 self-identified trauma therapists who met the inclusion criteria completed a short demographic information sheet and participated in a semi-structured interview. The data was analysed in accordance with the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Smith (1996) method.FindingsParticipants’ perceptions about their experience of working with trauma clients indicated four superordinate themes: ‘responding to a client’, ‘noticing growth in self’, ‘making a difference’, and ‘finding their own ways to process the trauma work’.ConclusionThe emerging themes indicate that therapists experience a wave in terms of the trauma work’s impact, rather than simply being a negative or positive type of work. The data indicates that trauma therapists also experience growth from their work, contradicting most prior studies on the impact of trauma work on therapists. The findings are further discussed in relation to the implications for therapists and importance of self-care.
How do daughters experience having a mother with dementia?
Authors: Finill Caroline , Tribe Rachel 
Published: January 2023

Background/ObjectivesThere is a paucity of research on the experience of daughters of mothers with dementia, who do not live together. This research explores how daughters experience having a mother with dementia.MethodSeven semi-structured interviews with daughters of mothers with dementia, were conducted. Interview accounts were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe main themes of Bewilderment and Fear, and Transformed Relationships were identified. The analysis indicated that the experiences described were, at times, distressing for the daughters and there was a perceived lack of professional help to support both mothers and daughters through the changes. However, the analysis also indicated that some daughters experienced transformative ways to make thoughtful new connections and aspects of the relationship with their mothers were described as having improved.ConclusionsIt is proposed that it could be helpful if professional services recognised that having a mother with dementia can be a challenging experience, even if mothers and daughters do not live together. It is also proposed that services need to continue to be improved for both mothers and daughters.
Transformative practice
Authors: Simms Jane 
Published: January 2023

Content & FocusCounselling psychology is a hugely rewarding career, as it focuses on facilitating the positive wellbeing and growth of those in distress. Therapeutic practice thus provides a privileged position within which to bear witness to positive change and growth, but it can often come at a cost to the therapist. There exists an extensive amount of research documenting the negative effects of therapy on the therapist such as compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and burnout. These occupational hazards have historically been neglected during practitioner training rendering trainees and qualified counselling psychologists mentally and emotionally vulnerable to the distressing stories they hear. Recently, research has shifted its focus towards identifying and understanding the positive effects of therapy upon the therapist. This is termed vicarious growth. The idea that therapists can grow in ways that are life enriching as a result of the stories they hear accords with counselling psychology and positive psychology, as both promote human flourishing, are strengths focused, and promote and support individual autonomy. An exploration of the positive and negative effects of therapeutic practice on the therapist is the focus of this paper. Further, therapist self-care plays a crucial role in not only preventing and helping to manage the potentially damaging impact of practice but can also facilitate the therapist’s personal and professional growth. The methods by which this is achieved will be examined, differentiating between self-care strategies that foster resilience and those that can facilitate vicarious growth. A framework for self-care that integrates both approaches will be outlined.
A qualitative exploration of the experience of community mental health clinicians working with people with borderline personality disorder in the context of high risk of suicide or self-harm
Authors: Hughes Mary E. , Bass Malcolm , Bradley Mark , Hirst-Winthrop Sarah 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundWorking with people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often viewed as challenging, especially when there is a high risk of suicide or self-harm. This study aimed to provide insight into the lived experience of clinicians working with these service users within community mental health teams.MethodUnstructured interviews were conducted with four participants from two multidisciplinary teams within the same NHS trust. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.FindingsThree superordinate themes were identified. (1) All participants emphasised the stressful nature of their role, describing its emotional impact and contributory factors, including organisational and relational issues. (2) Coping strategies were evident, which may not always have been within the participants’ awareness. (3) The task of balancing seemingly opposing possibilities was identified, paralleling the need for people with BPD to resolve dichotomous thinking.ConclusionsThere is a role for counselling psychologists in helping clinicians working within multidisciplinary teams to develop a deeper understanding of their responses through training and supervision. This could in turn enhance the care provided.
The Recovery Focused Care Transfer (ReFleCT) pathway: Fostering optimism and hope with clients prior to their discharge from secondary care
Authors: Mercer-Quinn Coleen , Wright Hayley 
Published: January 2023

Content and FocusRecovery focused care in mental health services is now part of NHS England’s plan to personalise care that empowers service users to sustain a meaningful life. This service evaluation validates how service users with systemic dependency and enduring mental health problems (N = 10) experience the shift from clinical recovery to personal recovery on completion of a Recovery Focused Care Transfer pathway (ReFleCT) which was led by a senior counselling psychologist and a member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT). A mixed model design was adopted and quantitative results using a Paired t-test demonstrated significantly higher post-discharge QPR (process of recovery questionnaire) scores (t (6) = –2.931, p=. 026) for all service users attending the ReFleCT programme indicative of recovery, where 87 per cent of items showed improvements. Staff questionnaire responses also validated the benefit of the programme in terms of service user involvement, compassion, risk to resilience and support of others. Qualitative feedback from staff, service users, their families, carers and external agencies did confirm that post attendance on the programme offered sustained improvements.ConclusionThis pathway proved a valuable resource in the current economic climate with promising results which highlight its strengths prior to/at the point of and post-discharge. Participants with a mean average of ten years in secondary care became empowered in their shift from dependent to independent care in a client led timely, responsive and informed manner.
‘Man up’: A qualitative exploration of Scottish masculinities and their impact within therapy
Authors: Reid Andrew , Burns Lindsey 
Published: January 2023

Background/aims/objectivesThere is a need to update understanding of masculine identity and mental health to better tailor therapeutic services for masculine client preferences.Methodology/methodsThis exploratory study gathered qualitative information on how four White Scottish male clients who had completed psychological therapy or counselling conceptualised and experienced their own masculinity, in relation to Scottish sociocultural norms, and experiences of therapy.Results/findingsAn IPA analysis identified four superordinate themes: 1) Scottish masculinity as competence, control, and achievement; 2) Scottish masculinity as role in society; 3) Fear of showing weakness or incompetence; and 4) Experiences of therapy.Discussion/ConclusionsPerceptions of competence and strength were central to participants’ accounts of Scottish masculine identity, and produced anxiety when threatened. However, participants distanced themselves from stereotypes, and successful therapy defused masculine tensions. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
The effectiveness of a Learning Disability specific group parenting programme for parents of preschool and school-age children
Authors: George Catriona , Kolodziej Natalia , Rendall Michael , Coiffait Fleur-Michelle 
Published: January 2023

Objectives:This study aimed to investigate whether a group parenting programme designed specifically for parents of children with a learning disability affected parental stress, confidence and understanding of children’s diagnosis and behaviour. It also aimed to identify any differences between parents of preschool children and parents of school-aged children, and to explore possible relationships between the variables measured.Method:Parents of children with a learning disability (or global developmental delay if <5-years-old) were offered the intervention as part of routine practice and ‘opted in’ to take part in the evaluation. Parents of 34 children attended the ‘Confident Parenting’ group intervention and completed the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress – Short Form, and the Sheffield Learning Disability Outcome Measure.Results:Results relating to the overall sample indicated a statistically significant decrease in parental stress and a statistically significant increase in parental confidence and understanding of their child’s behaviour following the programme. Within-group comparisons revealed statistically significant differences between preschool and school-age groups in terms of parental stress levels and changes in understanding of child’s diagnosis. Statistically significant relationships between variables emerged and are reported.Conclusions:The study revealed that Confident Parenting can be an effective intervention for parents of both preschool and school-aged children. Differences in initial stress levels and impact on understanding of diagnosis were highlighted between the two age groups, thus Confident Parenting may be most effective as an early intervention.
Parents’ experiences of living with an adolescent diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Mount Nicola , Dillon Gayle 
Published: January 2023

Aims:Parents of children with autism are reported to experience greater parenting stress than parents of neurotypical children. This qualitative study examined parents’ experiences of living with their adolescent with autism to ascertain their perceptions of psychological impact. In addition, parental coping strategies and the contribution of the child’s attendance at mainstream secondary school were considered.Method:Nine parents of adolescents with autism were recruited from their child’s school in the East Midlands. Individual semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, analysed and coded using thematic and content analysis to gain insight into the stressors faced.Findings:Main themes were: difficulties parents faced; effects on relationships; impact upon self; diagnosis and support; coping strategies; school issues; and the future. Challenges faced by the parents were pervasive. The need to maintain predictability in the children’s lives created a sense of burden and restricted spontaneity in the parents’ lives. Communication and social difficulties could lead to outbursts of physical or verbal abuse towards parents. Intense mother-child relationships added to family tensions. Mainstream secondary school was perceived by some as a challenge. Parents reported being mentally and physically tired. All participants used a range of problem-focused coping strategies and humour. Social support, positive reframing and avoidant strategies were used variably. Having a diagnosis of autism helped both parents to work together and accept the child’s difficulties. Additional support was often dependent on family circumstances.Conclusions:To assist the best outcomes for young people with autism, collaborative working and clear communication within the family unit and between family, schools and support services is imperative.
Working with parents: Using narrative therapy to work towards genuine partnership
Authors: McQueen Catherine , Hobbs Charmian 
Published: January 2023

Background:There is convincing research evidence of the value of working in partnership with parents to support the well-being and development of children and young people. Much of this research has looked at outcomes for children. At the same time research has demonstrated that partnership is not easy to achieve in relationships between parents and professionals, with many examples of the disempowerment of parents.Aim:This paper explores a way of working that might address the differential power relationship between professionals and parents, using activity theory to illustrate the process.Rationale/Approach:Drawing on a social constructionist perspective and the practice of narrative therapy, the paper analyses the authors’ experience of a series of narrative conversations with parents who volunteered to work with them around a concern. The conversations took place over several weeks and were further developed through outsider witness practice.Findings:This form of a narrative conversation provided an opportunity for the parents to examine, reflect and give recognition to their own resources and skills as a couple and as individuals.Conclusion:This is one example of practitioner research undertaken to explore a different way of working with parents and as such it is a contribution to the ongoing dialogue about how to achieve genuine partnership with parents.
Using action research to develop quality 16+ further education provision for young people with complex needs
Authors: Geiger Sarah , Freedman Rosie , Johnston Lexi 
Published: January 2023

Many young people with complex needs choose further education (FE) to support their hopes for independence, employment and friendships. However, provision often falls short of what is needed to make a successful transition to adult life. This FE Project was initiated by educational psychologists to support a systemic approach to develop the quality of the educational offer for young people with complex needs at age 16+. An action research model was used to support a cyclical process of planning, action and reflection. This brought key stakeholders together to develop joint understanding of good practice, increase communication and cross provision working, and to improve provision. Issues with the current system were identified with the key stakeholders and were addressed using the action planning approach.The project delivered a number of key outcomes:Data were analysed to predict the needs of the future 16+ population in the geographical area.A literature review was conducted to highlight national good practice in the further education of pupils with complex needs and this was used to develop practical guidance for local implementation.School and college curriculum and assessments used to track student progress were compared and mapped across provisions to demonstrate how skill levels in schools translate to the adult curriculum.Transition processes and timings were evaluated to identify changes that would facilitate successful transition from schools to local further education.Written guidance was developed to support local colleges in assessing and planning provision for individual pupils using evidence based strategies and interventions.The outcomes of the project were evaluated and discussed.
Containing the containers: Work Discussion Group supervision for teachers – a psychodynamic approach
Authors: Hulusi Halit M. , Maggs Peter 
Published: January 2023

Aims:Unlike many other professionals working with children and adolescents, teachers are not routinely provided with a safe space in which to reflect on the experiences and emotions they are left with in their day-to-day work. This paper explores how Work Discussion Groups (WDGs) based on psychodynamic theory might be used with teachers as a method of professional supervision.Rationale:The paper introduces some of the psychodynamic principles that underpin WDGs, in particular, Klein’s theory of Projective Identification and Bion’s concepts of Basic Assumption Mentality and Containment. We illustrate these theoretical principles with clinical examples from WDGs we have run in schools.Findings:WDGs are suggested as an emotionally containing space in which teachers might be supported in thinking about the paranoid and persecutory feelings resulting from their work in complex human organisations and their experiences of challenging interactions with colleagues and the children and young people they teach.Limitations:The paper considers some of the practical and theoretical challenges in the application of psychodynamic theory in educational psychology practice.Conclusions:Psychodynamic WDGs are proposed as a useful framework for supporting teachers to reflect on the emotional aspects of teaching and learning.