Bridging the gap between research and practice in counselling and psychotherapy training: Learning from trainees

Abstract

Aim: This study set out to examine trainee practitioners' perceptions of research training, and to explore ways in which training might be developed to facilitate the integration of research and practice. Method: Fourteen trainees on a doctoral programme in counselling psychology and psychotherapy participated in two focus groups, and verbatim transcripts were analysed using the Framework approach. Findings: The findings indicate that while participants appreciated the value of research, most found it challenging and anxiety provoking. Participants identified a number of ways in which training approaches could be adapted to enhance motivation to engage with research, and enable integration of research and clinical practice. Conclusions/implications: The findings are discussed in terms of the implications for the way research is incorporated into clinical training, as well as the type of research taught in the context of wider debates about evidence.

Keywords:

• integration
• practice
• psychotherapy training
• research
• research training

Acknowledgements

This research was funded with a joint grant from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Metanoia Institute. I would like to thank the trainees who took part in this research; Frances Bourne for her facilitation of focus groups and help with analysis; Cathy Simeon, Sylvia Vargas, and Stephanie Holland for their administrative support; and Vanja Orlans for providing feedback on early drafts.