the experience of therapy trainees and therapists participating in research mark widdowson,...
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The experience of therapy trainees and therapists participating in research
Mark Widdowson, University of Leicester
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Presentation based on research article;-
“Mark Widdowson (2012): Perceptions of psychotherapy trainees of psychotherapy research, Counsellingand Psychotherapy Research: Linking research with practice”http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14733145.2012.697473
The research-practice gap and lack of engagement with research by trainees and
qualified therapists is a widely discussed issue amongst psychotherapy
researchers. The present study investigates the perceptions of
psychotherapy trainees of psychotherapy research and explores what would encourage them to participate in
research
Research Practice Gap
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Participants and Method
Two focus groups held at two different institutes
16 participants (5 male, 11 female)- all post-foundation year trainee TA psychotherapists at UK based institutes, mostly with no previous research training.
Focus groups transcribed and analysed using Thematic Analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006)
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
The focus group questions
What are your perceptions of psychotherapy research?
What experiences have you had with psychotherapy research?
What concerns would you have about getting involved in psychotherapy research?
What stops you or puts you off getting involved in psychotherapy research related to your practice?
What preparation and support would you need in order to get involved in psychotherapy research that would involve collection of data about you and your practice?
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Results
Superordinate Themes:
Barriers to participation in research Perception that research is important What would be facilitative to encourage
participation
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Barriers to Research Engagement
Lack of knowledge Negative perception of research
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Prototype Theme Statement: Lack of Knowledge
I don’t know enough about research… I don’t know what has been done, or what existing research has found and I don’t know how to do research
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Prototype Theme Statement: Negative Perception of
Research
My negative impression of research is that it… Isn’t for people like me, it is complex, boring and time consuming, it is not relevant to the practice of therapy and is an ethically dubious activity
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Importance of Research
Understanding and improving how therapy works
Developing the profession
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Prototype Theme Statement: Importance of Research
I know research is important… to help us to understand how therapy works, to improve how we do therapy, to contribute to our profession and to promote wider acceptance of TA and psychotherapy
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Facilitating engagement in research
Need for practical research training Benefits of taking part Clarity of expectations Protection from negative impact Contribution, acknowledgement and
belonging Enhanced professional development
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Prototype Theme Statement: What would be facilitative-
preconditions
I will do research if… I am taught about practical research methods, It is practical, manageable and interesting, if I will benefit from doing it, if you are clear with me and my client about what will be expected of us, if my client or the therapy won’t be adversely affected, if I get a clear sense of what my contribution will be and if I am supported by my professional colleagues
Prototype Theme Statement: What would be facilitative-
meeting my needs
What I want from participating in research is… to feel protected and supported and for my belonging needs, recognition needs and my professional developmental needs to be met
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Goals:
Address negative perceptions of research Ensure expectations of therapist and
client are clear Clarity around how the therapist will
benefit from participating
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
The main limitation of this research is the relatively small sample size, which included only UK based TA psychotherapy trainees, which may limit the generalisability of the findings.
The results suggest that interest in and willingness to participate in research exists but it is necessary for negative perceptions
about research to be addressed and for researchers to design projects which are
supportive of participants
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK
Mark Widdowson TSTA Psychotherapy has been in counselling and psychotherapy practice since 1996. He has worked in a range of settings, including with looked after children and care-leavers, abuse survivors, sexual health provision, several schools and youth groups, offenders, and he also has considerable experience of working with people with serious disorders. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, he worked in psychiatric services as a Community Mental Health Worker, where he was part of a team of three that won a National Mental Health Award in 1998.
In addition to his professional practice, Mark provides consultancy on the development of academic programmes, course accreditation, course design, ensuring compliance with external monitoring and validation. He has developed several Masters programmes, in psychotherapy, in supervision and in counselling.
Mark is the author of Transactional Analysis: 100 Key Points (London: Routledge 2009) and a range of articles and chapters. Mark is currently completing doctoral research on transactional analysis psychotherapy for the treatment of depression as part of a PhD with the University of Leicester.
About the Author:
Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK