bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research Paper Where do counselling psychologists based in the UK disseminate their research? A systematic review
Authors: Gordon Ruth , Hanley Terry 
Published: January 2023

AimResearch is frequently cited as core to counselling psychology. Yet we know little about where counselling psychologists publish their own findings. The present study aims to answer the following two research questions: (1) Where do UK-based counselling psychologists disseminate their research? (2) To what extent do counselling psychologists disseminate their research in British Psychological Society outlets?MethodA systematic review examining research by UK-based counselling psychologists published in journals directly relevant to counselling psychology between January 2010 and December 2012. Counselling psychologists’ individual publication lists were examined for research disseminated in additional specialist journals. Finally, two case studies of research active counselling psychologists were completed to gain a qualitative picture of counselling psychology dissemination.ResultsThe review elicited 43 research articles by UK-based counselling psychologists in the last three years. Publication lists uncovered a further 24 research studies from specialist journals, making a total of 67 studies, completed by 40 counselling psychologists. The majority of articles were in Counselling and Psychotherapy ResearchandCounselling Psychology Review. The case studies both demonstrated the importance of overall attitudes towards research to dissemination.ConclusionAlthough the aim of the present study was to gain a picture of where counselling psychology research is disseminated, the limited volume of research seems to lead inevitably back to the debate on what the future of research in counselling psychology should look like, with mixed views on its importance for the field.
Theoretical Paper Sexuality: Where existential thought and counselling psychology practice come together
Authors: Milton Martin 
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus: Counselling psychology takes a contextualised perspective to people, and so this paper outlines some of the issues that impact on popular understandings of sexuality, in everyday terms and also in terms of psychological impact. The terrain of sexuality is very broad, so this paper uses same-sex sexuality, and our assumptions about it, as its predominant focus. The second half of the paper considers the way in which existential phenomenological perspectives can enhance our understandings of sexuality and provide counselling psychologists with useful insights.Conclusion: The frameworks of both existential psychology and counselling psychology overlap and, when considered together, offer useful ways of understanding social and therapeutic issues.
Theoretical Paper The palpable in existential counselling psychology
Authors: Madison Greg 
Published: January 2023

Content & Focus: This article presents basic features of an approach to existential counselling psychology that emphasises the experiential source of existential practice. It is an experiential-existential model of psychological therapy that arises from the application of Eugene Gendlin’s philosophy of implicit process to the therapeutic encounter as described by the British school of existential analysis. This paper introduces some principal contributions from Gendlin’s philosophical thought, including the practice of Focusing, illustrating why sensitive attention to bodily experiencing is important for counselling psychologists interested in ‘existentialising’ their approach to client work. Using fictionalised case material, it is shown how working experientially avoids generalities and instead sensitises the clinician to the uniqueness unfolding from within each client.Conclusions: Palpable existentialism is a body-therapy integration with existential and experiential emphases. It brings moment-to-moment experiencing into the ‘evidence-base’ of what is working or not during the session. With a rich research and philosophical foundation, this approach brings existentialism in line with a recent resurgence in body approaches to counselling psychology. More research and conceptualising needs to happen around this promising new approach.
The importance of incorporating neuroscientific knowledge into counselling psychology: An introduction to affective neuroscience
Authors: Goss David 
Published: January 2023

Content & FocusNeuroscience as a whole has seen great advancements over the last couple of decades and as such, it is becoming an increasingly important and relevant knowledgebase for counselling psychologists to incorporate into their research and practice. Affective neuroscience focuses on the emotions and affect which are both produced and perceived by the brain and mind. Jaak Panksepp, a prominent figure within affective neuroscience, has suggested that one avenue which is ripe for advancement is the development of primary process understanding. This paper discusses primary brain processes as well outlining a number of introductory ways in which affective neuroscience could contribute to counselling psychology.ConclusionsIt is suggested that counselling psychologists are well placed to contribute to affective neuroscience research. Additionally, psychiatry is well placed to benefit and add to the body of knowledge within affective neuroscience therefore the present work proposes that the time is now for greater collaboration between counselling psychologists, psychiatrists and (affective) neuroscientists, contributing and working together with the aim of increasing understanding and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for our species’ mental health and development.
Theoretical Paper The growing international perspectives within the Society of Counseling Psychology in the United States
Authors: Wang Chiachih D.C , Heppner Puncky P 
Published: January 2023

Content & FocusA notable number of actions and programmes have taken place to internationalise the US counselling psychology profession. This article expands the previous work by examining the growing international perspectives within the Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP), specifically those associated with recent presidential initiatives and leadership, structural organisational change within the Division, and scholarly publications in the Division’s journal, The Counseling Psychologist. In addition, we discuss a few cross-cultural training initiatives as one way forward for the SCP to continue promoting the development of international perspectives in counselling psychology in the US.
Theoretical Paper Research into post-traumatic growth in therapists: A critical literature review
Authors: Bartoskova Lucie 
Published: January 2023

Content & FocusThis critical literature review considers the effects which trauma work can have on therapists. Empirical literature relating to the current research into trauma therapists’ post-traumatic growth is reviewed. Its starting point is the context of previous research of what trauma work involves, the effects it can have on therapists and the challenges associated with it. It stresses that, for several decades, the majority of the research carried out in this field has been concerned with the negative outcomes and changes trauma therapists experience. The challenges associated with post-traumatic growth and trauma work are highlighted, along with factors enabling post-traumatic growth in trauma therapists (e.g. empathy, sense of coherence and social support). The aim of this review is to raise awareness about potential personal growth based on trauma work and the factors that enable therapists’ growth.ConclusionPost-traumatic growth in trauma therapists is proposed as a highly promising feature for counselling psychologists, with a need to move away from the stereotype of purely negative outcomes being associated with trauma work.
Research Paper An interpretative phenomenological analysis into counselling psychologists' relationship with research: Motives, facilitators and barriers -a contextual perspective
Authors: Skourteli Marina C. , Apostolopoulou Angelika 
Published: January 2023

Background/AimsThe apparent tensions between the scientist-practitioner and the reflective-practitioner aspects of counselling psychology identity may underpin counselling psychologists’ relationship with research. This issue becomes vital at a time when research activity can assist survivability within a competitive context and the promotion of Counselling Psychology as a distinct professional discipline. The present study explores counselling psychologists’ subjective experience of research and their perceptions of what may motivate, facilitate or hinder their engagement with it, whilst considering the context within which research activity takes place.MethodologyThe present paper presents the second, qualitative part of a larger mixed-methods research project investigating the relationship of chartered counselling psychologists with research. Data was collected through individual, semi-structured interviews with four chartered counselling psychologists (two residing and practicing in Greece and two residing and practicing in the UK), and was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).FindingsThree superordinate themes emerged from the data: ‘Stance/attitudes towards research’; ‘Research activity and inactivity’; and ‘Contextual dimensions of research’. A discussion of the subthemes revealed the role of ambivalence, counselling psychology identity and the interplay between internal and contextual factors in determining counselling psychologists’ involvement with research post-qualification.DiscussionA number of implications and recommendations for training institutions, professional organisations and the British Psychological Society are presented that could help promote the development and implementation of research-friendly environments within the field of counselling psychology, in order to enhance counselling psychologists’ relationship and engagement with research in the long term.
Being with uncertainty: A reflective account of a personal relationship with an asylum seeker/refugee
Authors: Morrison David T. 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundViolent political instability in countries such as Syria has seen the worldwide number of forcibly displaced people rise to levels not seen since World War 2, with over 150,000 asylum seekers and refugees hosted in the UK alone (UNHCR, 2015). Despite this figure, many UK residents have only a limited understanding of the experience of seeking asylum.Content & FocusThis article features a reflective account of the author’s experience of being in a relationship with an asylum seeker/refugee in the UK. It begins with the author’s reflections on the harsh asylum process and encourages those of us with a right to remain in the UK to consider how we would cope in such circumstances. Opportunities for personal and professional development that have arisen from the relationship are outlined, with particular emphasis on the experience of uncertainty and powerlessness. Finally, indignation at the inequalities faced by asylum seekers and refugees is presented as a catalyst for the development of a social justice agenda both within and beyond the therapy room.ConclusionBeing in a romantic relationship with an asylum seeker/refugee offers a unique vantage point to learn about the asylum process in depth. Furthermore, even such overtly challenging experiences can be transformed into opportunities for personal and professional growth, including the development of a social justice agenda in our counselling psychology practice.
Somali male refugees: Perceptions of depression and help-seeking
Authors: Rae Sophie 
Published: January 2023

Content & FocusThe UK Somali community has been identified as a cultural group who rarely access psychological services, despite high rates of mental health diagnoses such as depression. In particular, Somali men are said to be at increased risk of suicide and frequently present in tertiary care. The purpose of the current study was to explore how Somali male refugees in the UK understand and perceive the Western concept of depression, alongside their views on coping and professional help in the UK.MethodA constructivist grounded theory approach involved the use of twelve Somali male refugees in the community. They were interviewed with the aid of a vignette across three focus groups, with eight who participated in subsequent semi-structured interviews.Findings‘Depression’ appeared to be a result of the difficulties associated with migration, portrayed as an overall ‘sense of disconnection’. The ‘health’ of the community appeared to link to the ‘health’ of the individual, highlighting the collectivist appraisals of self-worth. Help-seeking from Western professionals was portrayed as rare. Health professionals were conceptualised as lacking awareness of the needs of the Somali community in relation to their difficulties.ConclusionThese findings highlight the importance of taking into account social and contextual factors making decisions about depression as a diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
The individualism impasse in counselling psychology
Authors: Vermes Caroline 
Published: January 2023

Context and focusThis paper argues that counselling psychology has been shaped by the philosophical and cultural value of individualism. Counselling psychology’s reliance on individual therapy models hinders its potential to actively address social issues that cause or exacerbate many mental health problems. The history and role of UK state-funded individual therapy markets, which employ a significant proportion of counselling psychologists, is examined. Some origins and consequences of counselling psychology’s individualistic ideals are explored. The professionalisation of personal therapy in the UK is traced to the USA and the development of humanistic psychology in the mid-20th century. Humanistic ideals are traced back further, to the 18th and 19th century rhetoric of New World democracy. Some undesirable social consequences of individualism are highlighted. In comparison the paper looks at potentially ‘post-individualistic’ therapeutic philosophies, including feminist and social constructionist approaches but finds that, in practice, they also tend to operate as individual therapy models.ConclusionsIndividual therapy approaches help people cope with conditions arising from the socioeconomic status quo, but don’t necessarily challenge it. Evolving counselling psychology research and practice into more demonstrably socially transformative ways of working would require substantive, and probably unpopular, changes in training, regulation, career pathways and professional identity.
Therapists’ experience of the therapeutic relationship when working with adults adopted as infants
Authors: Vote Birgit , Kasket Elaine 
Published: January 2023

Context & FocusEarly experiences can have an influence on the adult’s ability to form trusting relationships with others, this can include therapists. Currently, there is a lack of empirical and theoretical understanding of the complexities of the therapeutic relationship when working with adults who were adopted. This study sought to understand the nature of this therapeutic relationship as experienced by therapists.MethodologySix homogenous adoption-counsellor participants were purposively sampled; semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). This enabled detailed exploration of the experience of adoption counsellors currently working with adult adoptees.FindingsAnalysis produced three master themes: An awareness of the early rejection in all stages of the therapeutic process; a personal commitment to provide a corrective emotional experience; and the psychological consequences of working with adult adopted clients for therapists. The analysis emphasised the challenges that participants perceived in terms of establishing, maintaining and ending the therapeutic relationship with adopted adults.DiscussionThe findings of this study extend the pre-existing research base by emphasising the interconnectedness of the personal and professional experiences of adoption counsellors and the need for flexibility in their practice in each phase of the therapeutic process, predominantly with regard to therapeutic boundaries and engaging in a different ending experience. The study highlights practical implications, particularly the importance of familiarisation with certain aspects of adoption due to their likely influence on the therapeutic relationship, and the need for reflective practice.
The impact of in-session weighing in eating disorder services on the therapeutic relationship: A flexible, transparent and reflective approach
Authors: Whiteley Charlotte 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundEnhanced cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-E) is the most widely researched therapeutic modality recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the treatment of eating disorders. According to CBT-E, in-session weighing, that is, weighing the client each week during therapy sessions, should be a ‘non-negotiable’ therapeutic intervention. Despite research supporting CBT-E, there is no research that supports in-session weighing as a ‘non-negotiable’ aspect of therapy. Furthermore, CBT-E posits that behavioural change precedes the therapeutic relationship, which is problematic for counselling psychologists who posit that an empathic, safe and trusting therapeutic relationship are key ingredients to therapeutic change. This paper critically reviews the ways in which ‘in-session weighing’ can impact on the therapeutic relationship.MethodSearches were made for literature pertaining to in-session weighing; protocolled treatment for eating disorders; ethics in eating disorder treatment and the impact of non-negotiable therapeutic interventions on patients with an eating disorder diagnosis. Qualitative, quantitative and theoretical papers were included in the review.FindingsBased on the literature, this paper argues that in-session weighing, if carried out in an entirely protocolled-driven way, risks overlooking the therapeutic relationship and the individual differences of the clients we meet. However, the paper suggests that CBT-E can be synthesised with counselling psychology’s relational ethos by adopting a flexible, transparent and reflective use of in-session weighing.DiscussionSuch an approach takes into account the clinician’s own values and biases, the context of the client, the presenting difficulties and the clinic setting. Such an approach lends itself to the holistic underpinning of counselling psychology.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Delrue Nicolas , Plagnol Arnaud 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThis article aims to analyse the links between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and to assess the feasibility of treating PTSD in AD.MethodsWe review the literature around the links between PTSD and AD, consider this within several theoretical models. We propose the hypothesis that the treatment of PTSD in AD can improve episodic memory with some positive effects on AD. We present a pilot study in order to confirm the likely benefits of such an approach. There were 10 participants for the target group (AD and PTSD) and 10 participants in the control group (AD without PTSD). During two sessions separated by an interval of six months, different components of episodic memory were assessed with specific tests. AD evolution was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). For the target group, PTSD presence and quality of life were also assessed, and treatment for PTSD was undertaken between the two sessions.Results/FindingsThe analysis of scientific literature highlighted some clinical, cognitive and neurobiological similarities between AD and PTSD. The key-role of episodic memory is evident. The results of the pilot study suggest that PTSD treatment in AD participants improves all assessed indicators: word recall, word recognition, immediate recall, delayed recall, personal recent events recall, personal lifetime events recall, global cognitive abilities (MMSE) and quality of life.Discussion/conclusionThere are strong theoretical and practical reasons to search for an effective intervention for PTSD in AD patients. These preliminary results need to be confirmed but already suggest a promising avenue for therapeutic care of AD patients with trauma due to unknown or unsolved factors.
‘That hour served me better than any hour I have ever had before’: Service users’ experiences of CBTp in first episode psychosis
Authors: Mankiewicz Pawel D. , O’Leary John , Collier Olivia 
Published: January 2023

Objectives:Despite an emerging number of studies investigating service users’ experiences of receiving cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp), no studies to date have focused on individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP). Available research in FEP indicates that young people may delay seeking professional help due to having negative expectations of therapy and upholding unhelpful attitudes toward such treatment, which delays uptake to early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services in the NHS. The present study attempts to address the apparent gap in existing knowledge and explores expectations and experiences of receiving CBTp among EIP clients with FEP.Method:Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with nine participants with FEP who had received CBTp in a London-based EIP. Researchers had the flexibility to focus on the identified areas of service user experience and explored their reflections on the received therapy. Questions related to prior expectations and the actual experience of participating in such therapeutic treatment.Results:Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Four major themes emerged, including: service user’s prior expectations; therapeutic alliance; challenges of CBTp; and application of CBTp to achieve change.Conclusions:Although some negative assumptions preceded the commencement of therapy, optimistic expectations were also voiced. Overall, participants reported largely positive experiences of receiving CBTp in relation to both the process of treatment and qualities demonstrated by their therapists, despite experiencing some challenges related to achieving change. Central importance of functional therapeutic alliance in CBTp was indicated, based on which major therapeutic gains were achieved, even in spite of, at times, pre-existing worrisome expectations.