The research aims to explore the experiences that people with chronic energy-limiting health conditions have had in counselling or psychotherapy. It will shine a light on people’s stories and their path through therapy as well as how their therapist worked with them. Experiences may have been positive, negative or anything in between – these are the things this research aims to explore.
This study will help to increase the understanding of how counselling is experienced by people with chronic illness and its impacts. It is hoped it will contribute to knowledge about issues of inclusion and diversity in counselling/psychotherapy to inform future training and professional therapeutic practice.
This research is being carried out at the University of South Wales. The principal researcher is also a counsellor and psychotherapist registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and lives with a chronic illness.
They are looking for:
You can take part if:
- You are living with a chronic health condition/illness that has a significant energy-limiting impact and have had this condition for at least 2 years.
- You have had past experience of counselling/psychotherapy whilst living with this condition.
- You are over 18 years old, fluent in English, living in the UK and had counselling/psychotherapy in the UK.
The term ‘chronic health condition’ is used as a general term. This research is inclusive of all of chronic illness and chronic conditions with a significant energy-limiting component. This includes, for example, autoimmune conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis etc), ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, EDS, FND, long covid and many others. You may have experience of significant energy impairment without a formal diagnosis – you can still take part.
All participation will be fully anonymised.
Expected commitment from participants:
All participation is entirely remote and can therefore be done from your own home. Participation will involve a 45-60-minute interview to talk either online or over the phone.
Commitment to inclusion:
The date, timings and mode of the interview will be agreed with each participant to suit their needs, schedule and preferences. Interviews can also be split into shorter blocks if required.
Closing date to apply: 1st April 2024, please enquire sooner if interested!
The post Looking for people to take part in a research project exploring the experiences of people with chronic energy-limiting conditions in counselling and psychotherapy appeared first on Shaping Our Lives.