bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Paper Positive psychology: A movement to reintegrate career counselling within counselling psychology?
Authors: Robertson Peter J. 
Published: January 2023

Content & FocusIn the UK career counselling has tended to evolve separately from the counselling psychology profession. Elsewhere, notably in North America, counselling psychology does embrace career issues. This paper explores the contested boundaries between career and therapeutic work, and identifies positive psychology as a movement that transcends the divide. There is potential for positive psychology to reintegrate a career focus into counselling psychology.ConclusionsAlthough it does not provide a general theory of career choice and development, positive psychology has resonance with career counselling. It provides a rigorous conceptual and empirical foundation linking vocation to wellbeing. An evidence-based career counselling is beginning to emerge. Positive psychology presents a challenge to the current boundaries of the UK counselling psychology profession by demanding a holistic view of well-being that encompasses work and career.
A discursive analysis of White trainee counselling psychologists’ experience in racial difference
Authors: O’Driscoll Sharon , Gaitanidis Anastasios , Dickerson Paul 
Published: January 2023

Content & FocusThis study has investigated how White trainee counselling psychologists construct their experience of training in the area of racial difference, and how they discursively explore and negotiate their own potential for racial prejudice within the therapeutic encounter. This study attempts to offer some insight into the available discourses and their role in the creation of subject positions that the trainees come to occupy.MethodUsing the framework of Critical Discursive Psychology (CDP), data from eight interviews and two focus groups have been discursively analysed and are presented as one of an ever-evolving number of possible analyses. The study consisted of four female and four male participants, ranging in age from 28–57 years, who were between their second and fourth year of training.FindingsThe present analysis of the data has found that as the participants grapple with their professional identities as counselling psychologists in training, they inhabit one of three seemingly omnipresent discursive fields; ‘colour-blindness’, ‘interculturalism’ and ‘pluralism’. These fields offer the trainees alternative constructions of practice that are drawn on depending on which professional representation appears to be at stake. In particular, the participants struggle to balance the desire for value free openness associated with a pluralistic approach, alongside a need for professional competency. This professional competency is characterised by a dependence upon generalised understandings of racialised groups as supported by an intercultural perspective.ConclusionIt is argued that the multifaceted epistemological roots of counselling psychology leave much open to interpretation. Discursive fields are occupied interchangeably and supported by ideologies that are seemingly ill-defined. The present study would argue that the result is a basis for practice that runs the risk of alternating between privileging and excluding difference, whilst espousing an apparent integrity presented within the theory of pluralism.
Counselling psychologists’ experiences of working with clients with a psychiatric diagnosis: A grounded theory analysis
Authors: Davies Hannah , Halewood Andreea , Johnstone Lucy , Waite John 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundMany people who experience mental distress will receive a psychiatric diagnosis following assessment. However, while the utility of diagnosis continues to be debated, the impact of diagnosis on the therapeutic relationship has yet to be considered.AimThe purpose of this research was twofold: to explore how working with diagnosed clients is experienced by counselling psychologists; and to formulate an explanatory theory of this process.MethodologyThis was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and a grounded theory methodology. Fourteen Chartered Counselling Psychologists and one Chartered Clinical Psychologist were interviewed about their experiences of working with diagnosed clients.FindingsParticipants adopted one of three responses to diagnosis; ‘uncritically adopting diagnosis’, ‘challenging diagnosis’, and ‘compromising through pragmatic positioning’. Attempting to integrate the opposing paradigms of the counselling psychology philosophy and the medical model resulted in ideological dilemmas and uncertainty which compromised the therapeutic relationship and undermined the counselling psychologists’ professional identity.ConclusionsThe process outlined in this study suggests that working with clients who have a psychiatric diagnosis creates uncertainty and ideological dilemmas. Clinical implications, limitations of the study, and suggestions for further research are discussed.
A thematic analysis of the experience of person-centred counselling for clients with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study
Authors: Lynass Rosemarie , Gillon Ewan 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the experience of person-centred counselling for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).MethodFive clients with MS who had received person-centred counselling within an organisation which supports those with MS were interviewed. A semi-structured interview was chosen to allow enough flexibility to focus on some specifically identified areas of client experience whilst allowing the researcher to fully explore individual aspects of clients’ experience. Interview questions focused on helpful and unhelpful aspects of the counselling process generally and specifically in relation to clients’ experience of MS.ResultsInterviews were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Counselling was found to be helpful overall with PCT factors such as non-directive, non-judgemental and empathy being highlighted alongside MS specific factors such as the organisational setting and the counsellor’s MS knowledge. Clients identified. positive changes in cognitions and emotions as the most prevalent outcomes of therapy.ConclusionsA more pluralistic perspective on possible psychological interventions for those with MS is recommended with further research into humanistic approaches being justified based on the positive results of this study.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and early maladaptive schemas: A single case study
Authors: Stalmeisters Dzintra 
Published: January 2023

Background/Aims:Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex illness, one that is devastating and life changing for many people. Early maladaptive schemas (EMS), as described by Young et al., (2003), have been observed in some patients with ME/CFS; seemingly adversely impacting on psychological and physical wellbeing. This study explores the experience of working at schema level with a woman with ME/CFS and endorsed EMS. It provides an overview of the therapeutic treatment, with the aim of adding to the limited research in this area.Method:The instrumental single case study takes place within a clinical context. The client received 20 sessions of therapy. Standard cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was initially utilised to work with the client’s depression; once reduced, schema work commenced. Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used to measure mood, and Young’s Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3) was employed to measure schemas.Findings:By the end of therapy only two schemas from the nine schemas that the client had endorsed at the start of therapy remained at a level of ‘therapeutic significance’; three schemas diminished once the depression had been treated. The client reported that her quality of life had improved and that she had taken up part-time paid employment.Conclusion:The results appear to offer some support for working at schema level with people that have ME/CFS and also endorse EMS. However, treating existing depression first is recommended.
A call to include attachment-based concepts in tailored treatments for obesity
Authors: Robins Jenny , Ayling Russel 
Published: January 2023

Background:Psychological contributing factors in obesity include attachment style and emotion dysregulation. Little is known about the relationship between attachment style and responses to treatment in obesity.Aims:This study set out to identify the average weight loss for a group treatment for obesity based on diet changes and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) strategies, investigate whether attachment style predicts weight loss, and explore participants’ experience of the group treatment.Method:52 participants completed an attachment measure at the start of treatment. Body Mass Index (BMI) measures were taken at the start and end of treatment. The average weight loss was calculated and a backwards multiple regression tested whether the five attachment dimensions could predict participants’ change in BMI. Seven of the participants then took part in semi-structured interviews about the experience of the treatment. Transcripts were subjected to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).Results:The average weight loss was 2.2 per cent of the starting body weight. Quantitative findings produced a model which showed that the participants who scored higher on attachment security lost less weight than those with insecure attachments. Qualitative findings centred around four themes regarding the group experience: Dependency; Identification; Comparison to Others; and Negative Aspects of the Group Experience. Participants also described having difficulties with self-soothing, having had unmet needs in childhood, and the experience of recurrent depression.Conclusions:This study demonstrates poor weight loss from group treatments for obesity based on diet changes and CBT strategies. However, it suggests that those with insecure attachment may be better suited to CBT-type courses than those who are securely attached. The qualitative themes offer possible explanations as to why the treatment did not result in significant weight loss and potential reasons for the well documented weight regain following treatment for obesity. The implications are that treatment for obesity should be tailor-made, consider attachment style, and consider the need to attend to emotion regulation.
Reported factors for practitioners working with diverse ethnic minority clients to support positive therapeutic outcomes: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Untanu Manuela , Dempsey Raymond 
Published: January 2023

Background:It is an ethical imperative that practitioners recognise and understand the different factors that may contribute to our work with ethnic minority clients (BPS, 2018; HCPC, 2016). Previous research provided conflicting views regarding the key factors for practitioners working with people from ethnically diverse minorities to support Positive Therapeutic Outcomes (PTO). This study aimed to explore the experiences of counselling psychologists in the UK working with people from ethnic minorities, and to find the strengths and limitations the practitioners encounter when working with ethnically diverse clients.Method:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants, and data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).Results:One superordinate and three subordinate themes emerged: reported limitations and ways to overcome them (institutional disparities; lack of multicultural training; multicultural awareness)Conclusion:Findings suggest the presence of common elements that contribute to PTO with people from ethnic minorities. Consistent with previous research the study shows that participants experience barriers to their practice which might affect the efficacy of therapeutic outcomes with ethnic minorities.Keywords:ethnic minority; diversity; therapeutic outcomes; IPA.
Trans peoples’ experiences of survival whilst accessing healthcare and psychological services during transition
Authors: Grant Miriam , Gran Jess , Filippopoulos Pavlos 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundThis research explores trans people’s experiences of healthcare and psychological services in the UK. The project aims to further inform Counselling Psychologists and other professionals of the specific needs of this client group.MethodologySemi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).FindingsThree master themes emerged from the analysis. This paper focuses on the master theme ‘Survival’, as it is most pertinent to applied psychologists. This theme explores trans people’s experiences of developing coping strategies to manage the difficulties associated with transition and negotiating healthcare. Strategies included developing resilience and assertiveness, building a social support network, and finding the right therapist.DiscussionImplications for clinical practice are discussed. Specifically, the need for training and education, a trans affirmative stance, and the potential usefulness of CBT interventions to facilitate the development of relevant coping strategies.*All names and identifying biographical details have been changed or omitted to ensure confidentiality
Personal engagment and prospective acceptability of music-based interventions in counselling psychology practice
Authors: Wilson Gail , Duncan Barbara 
Published: January 2023

Background/aims/objectives:In the United Kingdom, there is a growing movement towards including more arts-based interventions within healthcare systems. This study investigated attitudes of counselling psychologists towards using music therapeutically. The aim was to provide preliminary evidence, and inform future research, on the feasibility of including music as an intervention in counselling psychology practice. It was hypothesised that practitioners who personally engaged with music would be more likely to view interventions using music as acceptable.Methodology:The study utilised quantitative survey methodology to collect data from trainee and qualified counselling psychologists practising in the United Kingdom. Forty-three participants completed the survey, which comprised the Music Use and Background Questionnaire (MUSEBAQ; Chin et al., 2018) to assess personal engagement with music across factors of musicianship, musical capacity and motivations for music use, and an acceptability questionnaire. Data was analysed via multiple linear regression.Findings:Analysis indicated that this sample of counselling psychologists was accepting of the prospect of using music with clients. The personal motivations of participants for using music were found to be a significant positive predictor of acceptance.Discussion/conclusions:Participants who were motivated to use music to improve their own wellbeing were significantly more likely to consider music as an acceptable intervention. If music-based interventions are to become more integrated within counselling psychology practice, leadership of this process and training will be important and it suggested that this bias be accounted for in selection criteria.
The experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic trainee counselling psychologists: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Daloye Dashnye 
Published: January 2023

Background:The aim of the study was to capture the training experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) trainee counselling psychologists in the United Kingdom (UK). To date there is a lack of research and literature looking at the experiences of BME trainee counselling psychologist in the UK.Methodology:A qualitative approach was adopted; semi-structured interviews were conducted with five self-identified BME trainees. The accounts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).Findings:The analytic procedure highlighted five main superordinate themes which were constructed from participants’ accounts. All five participants contributed to every superordinate theme generated, which were: The need to belong; Lack of diversity; The impact of support on the self; Versatile BME trainee identity; and Managing a range of challenges. Each superordinate theme featured two related subordinate themes.Conclusion: Insights from the analysis indicate the experiences of UK BME trainee counselling psychologists consist of experiences including a sense of a lack of belonging on the training programme which in turn made the BME trainees feel lonely and isolated. The challenges experienced by the BME trainees included not feeling understood and supported. The lack of diversity was reflected in the Eurocentric bias in the training, lack of BME representation and the hardship of not being white. However, the participants reflected on their positive experience of connecting with BME clients by using their BME identity and experience.
Video recorded treatment sessions for professional development
Authors: Doorn Katie Aafjes-van , Liu Alina , Kamsteeg Céline 
Published: January 2023

Purpose:Professional development is seen as a crucial aspect of work as a counsellor, however, little is known about how to make these learning experiences more effective. One specific tool that might improve the learning process is the use of video recorded counselling sessions. This literature review aimed to examine the empirical evidence for using video recorded counselling sessions for professional development.Methods:A systematic literature search identified 27 relevant studies; including 13 surveys and 14 outcome studies.Findings:Results indicated that, despite counsellors’ and clients’ initial anxiety, the use of video recorded sessions does not appear to be harmful, and may be beneficial to supervisors, counsellors and clients. Benefits included outcomes such as improved counsellors’ self-assessment skills, counselling skills, and understanding of in-session experiences, and improved supervisors’ diagnostic accuracy and assessment of supervisees’ level of clinical competency.Discussion:These preliminary empirical findings suggest that the use of video recorded treatment sessions is likely to be beneficial to counsellors, clients and supervisors. Further research on how to make most effective use of therapy recordings as professional development tool is warranted.
Hearing the unheard: Children’s constructions of their Nurture Group experiences
Authors: Griffiths Rhian , Stenner Rosanna , Hicks Una 
Published: January 2023

There is a growing body of evidence pointing to the associated benefits of nurture group provisions for vulnerable children and young people identified as experiencing social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (Cooper & Whitebread, 2007; O’Connor & Colwell, 2002). Consequently, there are an increasing number of such provisions in schools (Cooper & Whitebread, 2007). However, closer examination of the literature reveals children’s views on their nurture group experiences have neither been sought or heard. Since the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, empowerment of children and young people, ensuring they have been consulted and heard, has become integral to legislation and guidelines for professionals.This brief practitioner pilot offers a novel, exploratory insight into children’s constructions of their nurture group experiences in one primary school in Wales. This nurture group adhered to the ‘classic’ model as outlined by Bennathan and Boxall (2000); and was located within the mainstream school. The children registered every morning and spent a minimum of one day a week in their mainstream classrooms. The participants consisted of two girls and six boys in KS2 (ranging from 7 to 11-years-old). Six of the children were attending the nurture group and two had recently reintegrated full time into their mainstream classes. The children had attended the nurture group provision for between one and three terms. The researchers spent time following the nurture group routine with the children prior to the focus group, which was adapted to accommodate the children’s needs and incorporated into the nurture group’s circle time. The focus group allowed for information to be elicited and shared through various age-appropriate means, including the election of a soft toy mascot, paired discussions, and the use of post-it notes with scribes on hand. Thematic analysis of the children’s elicited constructions revealed themes broadly consistent with the theoretical underpinnings and aims of the ‘classic’ nurture group model. These included environmental factors, relationships, self-regulation and learning. The findings emphasised the insight children have into their experiences and their ability to express what works for them and why. The responsibility and benefits of professionals actively seeking and valuing the voice of the child is discussed. The child-centred methodology used may be a valuable vehicle for further research and practice within educational psychology and other disciplines which seek to empower children and young people by eliciting the voice of the child.
‘Fun with Mum’: Using Video Interaction Guidance to enhance early relationships and diminish maternal postnatal depression
Authors: Rackett Penny , Macdonald Bridget 
Published: January 2023

Aim:This study describes the implementation of a group intervention using Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) to decrease maternal postnatal depression and increase attunement and pleasure in mother-infant relationships.Rationale:Interventions that focus on reducing maternal depression levels do not always have an impact on the relationship between mother and child. Yet depression can limit a parent’s emotional availability and thereby impair the child’s emotional, social, cognitive and physical development, in the long as well as in the short term. An intervention using VIG was designed to increase parental sensitivity and confidence.Method:22 participants received the ‘Fun with Mum’ intervention in closed groups of six to eight mothers and infants. Individuals were referred by health visitors, midwives, family doctors or through the Family Support Service. Criteria for referral included a score of 10 or above on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a stated desire for support.Findings:Pre- and post-intervention EPDS data was collected from 20 of the participants. Sixteen individuals reported a marked decrease in maternal depression. All 22 participants indicated positive change on individually defined targets. Qualitative analysis of targets showed the nature of change experienced. Feedback from mothers indicated improved mindfulness and enjoyment in the relationship with their infant. In addition to video work, organised activities and peer support were identified by mothers as crucial aspects of the intervention.Conclusions:Group-based interventions using VIG can offer an effective approach to developing positive relationships between mothers and their infants in vulnerable circumstances.