British Association For Counselling And Psychotherapy Research Articles

Research‐informed counselling and psychotherapy: A training and accreditation agenda

AbstractTraining and accreditation standards play a critical role in the development of a research‐informed agenda. This commentary on Barkham et al. (Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 2024) discusses obstacles to fully integrating research into the training and standard agendas, and the potential role that the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) can play in helping to overcome such obstacles. Knowledge of research evidence is currently limited in training and accreditation standards for counselling and psychotherapy, and course tutors are often not familiar—or engaged—with research findings. In the development of professional standards (for instance, within SCoPEd), the BACP should work to ensure that research competencies are comprehensive, contemporary and explained in a granular manner. Further helpful developments might include an annual research‐oriented conference for trainers and clinical supervisors, a journal dedicated to disseminating research and good practice in training and clinical supervision and/or a training/clinical supervision research network to coordinate activities in these area. BACP events—across all elements of the profession—should strive to address issues of research awareness and participation, and the use of research to inform practice. Critically, across all of these possibilities, BACP's Research Department, alone, cannot be left to support moves to a research‐informed profession. Rather, an organisation‐wide initiative is needed in which appreciation of the research evidence is at the heart of all aspects of the Association's work.

The role of BACP in maximising the potential of counselling and psychological therapies research in the UK: Benefitting clients, communities, and societies

AbstractThe British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is the largest professional membership body within the field of counselling and psychological therapies in the UK, but there is a mismatch between its membership of >65,000 and its research impact. This article sets out a potential strategic direction as considered by an informal grouping of researchers and teachers in the field. Actionable research plans are outlined at three levels: client–practitioner, local communities, and societies. At the client–practitioner level, data‐informed practice can be readily implemented as a therapeutic aid akin to supervision, providing the potential for integrating research into everyday practice. At the community level, interdisciplinary collaborations together with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusiveness are paths to building a community of researchers and citizens that includes marginalised populations. The importance of social justice extends to the societal level, connecting with politics at a micro and macro level, and engaging internationally to respond to actual threats (e.g., climate change). Across these three levels, high value is placed on data with its potential for informing and improving practice, but also enhancing the lives of people in communities and societies. Overall, research strategies need to be collaborative (i.e., collegial) and less singular (i.e., individually project‐based), developing cumulative knowledge around specific topics via a ‘capture and build’ strategy for small projects with strategic oversight by BACP. Clarity of research strategy combined with collaborative and collective action from BACP and leaders in the field can help realise the full potential of BACP's research capacity.

A conversation with Eugene Ellis and David Weaver

Eugene Ellis, founder and director of The Black African and Asian Therapy Network, talks with David Weaver, activist and community developer, about his time as President of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and his role in visioning the significantly funded bursary scheme and mentoring project to support racialised communities.

Counsellors in the National Health Service: A mixed‐method study of efficacy and satisfaction from the counsellor perspective

AbstractBackgroundIt is difficult to know how many counsellors work in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). At a time when the British Government is pledging an expansion of the mental health workforce, it is important to understand both the opportunities and barriers for counsellors to work in the NHS.AimTo understand counsellors’ job roles, pay, perceptions of services, workplace stress and reasons for leaving the NHS.MethodAn online survey was advertised to members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP); just under 2,000 counsellors responded. The sample was majority female, white and had completed training. Mixed methods were utilised to analyse the data which incorporated use of thematic analysis.FindingsThe data suggest that, as a workforce, counsellors are prone to being “squeezed” out of the NHS workforce; that they are comparatively “underpaid,” are “pressurised” by high level of work demand and are consequently experiencing concerning levels of workplace stress; and that they perceive themselves to be, in multiple ways, “undervalued.” Despite this, members reported high adequacy of therapist qualifications and supervision quality within NHS services.ConclusionsCounsellors have expressed a desire to undertake more work in the NHS and are a potentially cost‐effective mental health workforce in comparison with other types of professionals. However, this study has evidenced significant structural, cultural and pay and promotion‐related barriers that are pushing counsellors out of the NHS. Of particular concern is what appears to be a broad undervaluing of counsellors as a professional group.

Synchronicity in the therapeutic setting: A survey of practitioners

AbstractAimsIn this study, we intended to explore whether there are any differences between counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists in the reporting and interpretation of synchronicity experiences (SEs) in the therapeutic setting. SEs are defined as psychologically meaningful connections between inner events (such as a thought, vision or feeling) and one or more external events occurring simultaneously or at a future point in time.DesignAn online survey link was emailed to a random sample of counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists drawn from membership lists of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), British Psychological Society (BPS) and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). The survey was designed to investigate the following research questions: do practitioners report SEs in the therapeutic setting? Are there any differences between types of practitioners in terms of explanations for SEs? Were SEs believed to be more likely to occur at certain points in therapy?ResultsA total of 226 respondents completed the survey. One hundred respondents (44%) reported that they had experienced synchronicity in the therapeutic setting, of whom 55 were psychotherapists, 21 counsellors and 24 psychologists. The majority of respondents (67%) felt that SEs could be useful for therapy. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between practitioner types in their interpretation of SEs but no differences in perception of when synchronicity events were likely to occur.ConclusionFindings have important implications for how practitioners may respond to clients who report SEs and are discussed alongside suggestions for future research.

Formative evaluation of the transition to postgraduate study for counselling and psychotherapy training: Students' perceptions of assignments and academic writing

AbstractBackground: Transition to postgraduate study has received little attention and it is often assumed that little adjustment is needed. Focus: This article focuses on the academic writing aspect of the transition to postgraduate study for counselling and psychotherapy students on a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)‐accredited course. Method: A two‐year formative evaluation was used to elicit students' views on how they experienced the transition to postgraduate study, and to identify what was most and least helpful to students in managing this transition. Results: The findings showed that there was a significant transition, which 63% of students found difficult. Timetabled and integrated, subject specific, academic support is recommended to assist students with their learning needs.

Practice‐based supervision research: A network of researchers using a common toolkit

AbstractAim: Given that various systematic reviews of supervision literature have revealed how little is known about supervision, that studies are not usually routed in practice, and that a multitude of diverse measures are used, the primary aim of this project was to support and encourage practitioner research related to supervision using a prescribed common set of instruments. Method: Funded by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), a Supervision Research Practice Network (SuPReNet) was established. A toolkit (a series of measures) that could be used routinely by practitioners was selected following the assembly of available measures of supervision and an assessment of them. Findings: The appraisal, conducted by the three authors, yielded five core measures, free for anyone to use, and accessible through the SuPReNet website. The measures are being piloted through a practice research network at a university counselling and psychotherapy research clinic where supervision data are being collected through a special module of CORE Net. Discussion: The potential yield from this initiative for practitioners, researchers, and the developing evidence‐base is discussed and a model proposed for the next generation of research on supervision.

Manifestation of altruism: Perceptions among counselling students in the United Kingdom

AbstractAims: The purpose of this study was to examine the applicability of a proposed model of the development of altruism, or unselfish caring for others, as perceived by counselling students in the UK. Method: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight counsellors‐in‐training. The data analysis involved open coding, axial coding, and the development of a coding paradigm. Findings: The findings address the four factors (biological, cognitive, social learning, and religiosity/spirituality) proposed in the model. Additional themes included: (a) community development and sustainability, (b) altruism across the lifespan, and (c) the counselling profession. Implications: The findings suggest a relationship between altruism and counsellor success. This supports the integration of altruism within the counselling curriculum, as it relates to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework (2010). Furthermore, the findings support future research focused on altruism.

A qualitative exploration into how the use of prayer in counselling and psychotherapy might be ethically problematic

AbstractAim: This research article contributes to the debate on the value and limitation of the use of spiritual strategies, like prayer, in counselling (Foskett & Lynch, 2001) by disseminating the insights that were gained from a qualitative study of mainstream counsellors whose work includes prayer. Method: Participants were 19 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)‐accredited and Churches Ministerial Counselling Service (CMCS)‐approved counsellors who use prayer in their practice. They were interviewed, and the data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: The data reveal that counsellors who use prayer are aware that ethical problems may be encountered: if prayer changes the way that the counsellor is perceived; when using prayer with issues of psychopathology; if the counsellor uses prayer to impose faith on a client; when being professionally held to account; if prayer is used for avoidance or as a defence; if prayer is used to enhance the counsellor's power; if prayer is not part of the client's agenda; if prayer is used routinely; if prayer cannot be challenged; if there is a cultural pressure to pray; and if the prayer method is not matched to the client – but that their concern over potential ethical issues is not of sufficient strength to override their therapeutic use of prayer if facilitated with due care.

Webwise

Many nurses looking to expand the scope of their practice are attracted by counselling and psychotherapy, but their perceptions of what these entail are often inaccurate. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) website is an ideal resource for providing a clearer picture.

The impact of clinical supervision on counsellors and therapists, their practice and their clients. A systematic review of the literature

AbstractIn 2005 the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) commissioned a systematic review of the research evidence related to the impact of supervision on counsellors and psychotherapists, their practice and their clients. This paper reports on some of the findings of this review, specifically from articles published in this area since 1980. Detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria were agreed. EPPI‐Reviewer software was used to organise and analyse the articles that met the inclusion criteria. This article reviews 18 individual published studies. The quality of evidence is variable, but supervision is consistently demonstrated to have some positive impacts on the supervisee.

The effectiveness of counselling with older people: Results of a systematic review

In 2003 the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) commissioned a systematic review of the research evidence relating to counselling older people. This paper reports on some of the findings of this review, particularly those which address the effectiveness of counselling with this population. Electronic searches of the research literature spanned six databases and were supplemented by hand-searches of reference lists and key journals, along with an extensive search of the “grey” literature. The location of papers testing interventions which fall within a definition of counselling set out by the BACP, with samples aged 50 years of age or above resulted in the inclusion of 47 relevant studies. Studies investigated a variety of mental health problems in older people, particularly depression, anxiety, dementia and the psychological impact of physical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Of the 47 studies, eight tested counselling as a generic treatment, 15 tested cognitive behavioural therapy, 13 tested reminiscence therapy, and 11 tested various other specific approaches. The review concluded that counselling is efficacious with older people, particularly in the treatment of anxiety and depression and outcomes are consistent with those found in younger populations. Evidence as to the efficacy of counselling interventions in the treatment of dementia is weak.

Research priorities in the psychological therapies: View from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

This paper seeks to summarise recent discussions within the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) about the strategic direction and priorities for the organisation, the profession as a whole and, ultimately, the service users. The standing research policy commitment to a pluralist approach to research is affirmed and a number of competing approaches are briefly considered. The direction of general policy and specific aims are noted. The paper does not seek to define a BACP position, as such, and is intended to stimulate further debate and discussion which will feed directly into the development of the BACP research policies and activities during this crucial development period.

Who's counting? Access to UK counsellor training: A demographic profile of trainees on four courses

This paper examines the profiles of students entering four British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) recognised counsellor training courses in the North of England. Data were collected by means of self‐completed questionnaires. The majority of students were white women; a significant percentage were registered disabled and on low incomes. Contrasts between entrants to HE and FE training institutions were found. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Let's stay and hate: The role of community meetings on counsellor training courses

This study explores the role of community meetings within BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) accredited counsellor training courses. A postal survey was carried out with trainers on 56 BACP accredited training courses in January 2000. A questionnaire was used to elicit information about trainers, courses and the organisation of community time, along with perceptions relating to the meaning and purpose of community meetings. Possible links between course attributes (course length, cohort size and core theoretical model) and the implementation of community time are explored, as are links between core theoretical model and explanations of community group process. Findings indicate a diversity of definitions and assumptions concerning the role of community groups within counsellor training courses in Britain. It is suggested that there is a need to establish a much clearer definition of the nature of community groups on counselling courses. A tentative, trans‐theoretical description of community group process is offered, and further research on this topic is recommended.

Evidence based practice: A guide for counsellors and psychotherapists

There has been an increasing tendency for healthcare policy makers and managers to require that all forms of therapy are supported by rigorous research evidence. This paper, which has also been distributed as an Information Sheet to all members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), provides a practitioner‐oriented introduction to evidence‐based practice, with suggestions for further reading on this topic.