Almost two decades ago, the psychoanalyst Sussman concluded that the therapist's motivation for practicing was a neglected area. Is this maybe a question best left alone? This book revisits the question. The authors support Sussman's rationale for raising the issue in the first place and wonder if much has changed since he referred to it as a 'neglected' area twenty years ago? This is an inquiry that moves from personal musing to collaborative and systematic inquiry. At the heart of the book lie six separate accounts as told by counsellors and psychotherapists in a reflective writing- and peer support group. Each therapist represent a different modality and all come with very different backgrounds. These accounts are put into context of ongoing literature and viewed with reference to a survey where 238 other therapists provide their perspective on the question. Like in the case of, for instance, Feltham (1999), Rowan & Jacobs (2003) and Val Wosket (1999) 'the therapist's use of self', is a key theme.

Almost two decades ago, the psychoanalyst Sussman concluded that the therapist's motivation for practicing was a neglected area. Is this maybe a question best left alone? This book revisits the question. The authors support Sussman's rational for raising the issue in the first place and wonder if much has changed since he referred to it as a neglected area twenty years ago. This is an inquiry that moves from personal musing to collaborative and systematic inquiry. At the heart of the book lie six separate accounts as told by counselors and psychotherapists in a reflective writing and peer support group. Each therapist represents a different modality and all come with very different backgrounds. These accounts are put into context of ongoing literature and viewed with reference to a survey where 238 other therapists provide their perspective on the question. Like in the case of for instance Feltham (1999), Rowan & Jacobs (2003) and Val Wosket (1999: xi) 'the therapists use of self', is a key theme. It is particularly so in the case of Wosket, who approaches the area of the therapist's use of self with an interest in reflective practice. The attention paid to what therapists bring into the therapeutic relationship is shared with Steve Page (1999) who explores the therapists' input in terms of both potential enlightenment and shadows.

Stephen Goss is a leading figure in UK counselling and psychotherapy research.

Stephen Goss is a leading figure in UK counselling and psychotherapy research.

This textbook aims to support counsellors, psychotherapists, and counselling psychologists to develop a creative research-informed practice. Following from the authors' earlier title Enjoying Research, the book covers qualitative, quantitative, pluralistic, and mixed methods approaches with a special focus on diversity, researcher support and innovative methods. The book explores research during critical stages like question formulation, data gathering, ethics, analysis, and presentation of the findings. It mixes theory with illustrative real-life, 'how-to-do-it'-examples and reader activities. International experts contribute with examples ranging from arts-based 'decolonising' research to creative use of outcome- and survey-based approaches - with a shared interest in dialogues between 'scientific' and 'aesthetic' (or intuitive, embodied) means of knowing. This is essential reading for anyone looking for a book that combines self-awareness with analytical and practical skills in counselling and psychotherapy related research.

This textbook provides a guide to the development of a rigorous and creative research-supported practice for students, practitioners, and researchers in counselling and psychotherapy. With an emphasis on critical thinking and "research mindedness", it introduces practical research skills and links them to self-awareness and critical reflection. Learning how to creatively and effectively use oneself in the treatment process is an essential component in therapy training and this level of self-awareness has long been a neglected area in research - until now. With examples ranging from private therapeutic practice to psychiatric related research, each chapter combines 'how-to-do-it' advice with illustrative real-life examples. The authors outline the use of a broad range of research methods, embracing Arts- as well as RCT-based research, and covering qualitative, quantitative, pluralistic and mixed methods approaches. Whether you are engaging with research for the first time or already developing your own research projects, if you are a student at diploma level or taking a Postgraduate research course for counsellors, psychotherapists and counselling psychotherapists, this is essential reading for anyone looking for a book that combines self-awareness with analytical and practical skills.

Reflective practice is a vital part of your counselling and psychotherapy training and practice. This book is your go-to introduction to what it is, why it is important, and how to use different models for reflection and reflective practice to enhance your work with clients. It will support your personal development and professional development throughout your counselling training and into your practice.

This book offers students and trainees a thorough guide to clinical assessment. It covers different types of clinical assessment and explores the implications of the alternative views on clients' needs and treatment. It explores clinical assessment as an 'art and science' and brings the reader up to date with new requirements placed on therapists in both organisational and clinical practice based settings. In addition to outlining models for clinical assessment, it looks at the use of evidence-based practice in assessments. There are sections on doing assessments within organisations as well as from private practice.

There is an increased emphasis on self awareness and self care in counselling and psychotherapy training, with a focus on how the therapist as a person affects the therapeutic outcome. This timely book responds to these complex issues and is designed to help counselling students, trainees and graduates with integrating their personal development into their professional planning. There are chapters on bringing the Self into therapy, choosing the right training and how to succeed as an accredited practitioner. Activities and research summaries throughout give this book a fully-integrated approach ideal for busy students.

Reflective practice is a vital part of your counselling and psychotherapy training and practice. This book is your go-to introduction to what it is, why it is important, and how to use different models for reflection and reflective practice to enhance your work with clients. It will support your personal development and professional development throughout your counselling training and into your practice.

Learning how to use critical self-reflection creatively when practising therapy is an important component of training. This level of self-awareness is, however, often neglected in research, despite the centrality of the researcher to their work.

Doing Practice-based Research in Therapy: A Reflexive Approach makes the vital link between practical research skills and self-awareness, critical reflection and personal development in practice-based research. Starting with a clear introduction to the theory, practice and debates surrounding this type of research, the book then guides the reader step-by-step through the practicalities of the research process, encouraging them to reflect upon and evaluate their practice at each stage.

The book:

- incorporates case studies throughout to illustrate different methodological approaches

- uses real life examples from students conducting practice-based psychotherapy research

- includes exercises, chapter objectives, end-of-chapter questions and suggestions for further reading to help consolidate learning

- encourages ongoing personal development by introducing personal development planning (PDP) and lifelong learning in the field of research. By demystifying the reflexive approach, this highly practical guide ensures that trainees and qualified therapists get the most, both professionally and personally, from their practice-based research.

There is an increased emphasis on self awareness and self care in counselling and psychotherapy training, with a focus on how the therapist as a person affects the therapeutic outcome. This timely book responds to these complex issues and is designed to help counselling students, trainees and graduates with integrating their personal development into their professional planning. There are chapters on bringing the Self into therapy, choosing the right training and how to succeed as an accredited practitioner. Activities and research summaries throughout give this book a fully-integrated approach ideal for busy students.