Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, Volume 24, Issue 2, Page i-iv, June 2024 ..read more

Abstract Background The impact of therapists' and patients' gender on therapy processes and outcomes remains a subject of intense debate in psychotherapy research. Aims This article explores the role of gender in psychotherapy from the patients' perspective. Method By conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 patients undergoing individual psychotherapy in private practices in Austria, the influence of the therapist's gender was investigated. The data collected were subjected to qualitative thematic analysis. Findings The authors adopted a Bourdieusian feminist perspective to interpret the ..read more

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the trajectories of therapeutic alliance development in individual systemic psychotherapy for adults with adaptation disorders and the differences in alliance development between groups with different treatment outcomes. Method The longitudinal quasi-experiment included 20 patients undergoing individual outpatient psychotherapy treatment in private practice for over a year. Therapeutic alliance was evaluated three times, by the psychotherapist and the patient simultaneously. Treatment outcomes were estimated twice based on patient ratings. Their ..read more

Abstract Background Spiritual counselling techniques can offer individuals a sense of new meaning and a way to cope with difficulties. However, no prior study has specifically examined the effectiveness of a spiritual intelligence counselling programme on suicidal ideation and self-concept among retired individuals. Aims This study aimed to evaluate how a new counselling programme focusing on spiritual intelligence helps retired individuals deal with suicidal ideation and self-concept. Materials and Methods A total of 40 retired individuals were split into two groups: one that received the cou ..read more

Abstract Introduction Recent reports from the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association have highlighted the gap between the growing need for mental health services and available resources. Even with additional funding, however, the high proportion of clients who drop out after only a few sessions presents a significant obstacle to providing effective help. Methods Using archival data from the Research Consortium of Counseling and Psychological Services in Higher Education, this study examined relations between client attendance and two constructs of the early therap ..read more

Abstract Background Group Radical Openness (GRO) has been shown to be a feasible and acceptable intervention for individuals who struggle with costly overcontrol. This paper explores participants' reports of attributions of change following the engagement in GRO. Method Fourteen participants took part in qualitative interviews. An adapted version of ‘The Revised Client Change Interview Schedule: Version 5’ was used to capture the experiences of change following the intervention (Elliott & Rodgers, 2008). Research participants were outpatients of a psychiatric hospital who attended GRO. The ..read more

Abstract Introduction Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience mental health concerns at a higher prevalence rate than the general population, yet mental health professionals have limited education, training and experience in counselling individuals with ASD. Methods To better understand the unique mental health concerns this population encounters, this qualitative study explored the experiences of 102 college students with ASD as they considered, attended and stopped counselling. Results Specifically, this study investigated the motives the participants reported for attendin ..read more

Abstract Purpose Mental health suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Scotland. While there was limited availability for face-to-face counselling, online counselling was available via telephone, videoconference, email, one-to-one chat and group basis. Existing research has failed to examine inter-modality comparisons of client experiences of online counselling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Scottish participants (n = 94) who received online counselling during the COVID-19 pandemic completed an online survey using quantitative methodology, which explored their experiences of o ..read more

Abstract Introduction Using a duoethnological approach, supported by relational trauma theories, this paper synthesises idiosyncratic formulations and perspectives of working with relational trauma. Aim Initially, focus is centred on reflecting on the authors' research with different and diverse groups. These include in-reach rehabilitation and recovery services for people with profound and enduring mental health needs, as well as experiences of trauma, loss, grief and post-traumatic growth of sanctuary seekers. Method Duoethnography, which is a collaborative research methodology that promotes ..read more

Abstract Objective This systematic review is the first to consolidate qualitative findings exploring women's healing experiences from sexual trauma through engagement in mind–body practices. This review aimed to expand our knowledge regarding the healing processes for sexual trauma and to help move towards further integration of holistic practices in trauma therapies. Method A methodical literature search was conducted using four databases: PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL Plus and Scopus. After the initial search, 2392 records were assessed for eligibility. After screening, 11 articles remained and ..read more