Researching Psychotherapy and Counselling

Preface
Introduction: Research in psychotherapy and counselling
Getting started: Generating and refining research questions
Sampling and generalizability
Choosing a qualitative method
Questions of evaluation and outcome
Psychotherapy process research: Exploring what happens in psychotherapy
Single case and case study approaches
Observing and participating
Interview methodology
Approaches to validity
Final reflections
References
Index

• What are the benefits of conducting research while practising?
• Which research methods are most suitable for busy practitioners?
• How can practitioners weave research into their everyday practice without it becoming a burdensome add-on?
• What practical and ethical considerations should counsellors and therapists take into account when researching?

This book focuses on the issues facing practising clinicians wishing to engage in research. It outlines approaches involving both clients and other professionals in the research and argues for approaches that combine an exploration of the experience as well as the effectiveness of therapies.

With an emphasis on ‘do-able’ research, the book examines the dilemmas and challenges for clinicians in recruiting participants and combining research with clinical practice, and includes step-by-step guides to doing research projects.

Key topics covered include:

• Collaborative research
• The ethics of research
• Mixed methods of research (qualitative and quantitative)
• Suitable research methods for busy clinicians
• Practice-based evidence and evidence-based practice

Written by authors with extensive experience of research teaching with clinicians, Researching Psychotherapy and Counselling provides a rigorous, yet practical guide for trainee and practising counsellors, psychotherapists and clinical psychologists, as well as allied mental health professionals.