Relational-Centred Research - Paperback

by Linda Finlay (Editor), Ken Evans (Editor)

An accessible, practical introduction to carrying out qualitative research in psychotherapy and counselling for practitioners who want or who are required to contribute to the profession's evidence base.

• Gives clear guidance on how to set up and conduct small scale research that is based in clinical practice
• Assumes no prior knowledge of qualitative research and is aimed specifically at psychotherapists
• Recognises development of the evidence base for psychotherapy through qualitative research as a key objective for practitioners

Back Jacket

Carrying out research has become increasingly important for psychotherapists in clinical practice. Relational-centred Research for Psychotherapists: Exploring Meaning and Experience addresses this clear need by providing a practical introduction to developing relational-centred qualitative research.

Readers are offered many practical examples of small-scale research that is firmly grounded in clinical experience. Advocating a qualitative research approach, the examples mirror relational-centred practice by placing the emphasis on conducting research with participants, not on them. Finlay and Evans demonstrate that many of the familiar clinical skills, values, and interests of therapists - such as interviewing skills, reflexive interpretation, and inferential thinking - are, in fact, transferable to the research domain, while knowledge of research processes and findings can further enhance clinical therapy.

As an accessible introduction to setting up and conducting research, this book is the long-awaited answer to increasing competencies for psychotherapists and counsellors in clinical practice.

Author Biography

Linda Finlay teaches Psychology with the Open University, UK, and is an Academic Consultant offering training and mentorship on qualitative research in health care. She is currently working towards registration as an Integrative psychotherapist. She has published widely on topics relating to psychosocial occupational therapy, group work and qualitative research.

Ken Evans is a registered Gestalt and Integrative psychotherapist. He is co-director of the European Institute for Psychotherapeutic Studies, an institute that provides a range of continued professional development workshops for graduate therapists as well as training programmes in clinical supervision, psychotherapy research, and organisational consultancy.