Counselling psychology and the integration of theory, research and practice: A personal account

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the factors that have contributed to the development of my understanding of integrating theory, research and practice. I will attempt to demonstrate how factors such as relevant psychotherapeutic models, psychological research, use of supervision, personal therapy and multicultural issues have impacted upon my ongoing practice as an integrative practitioner. My growing capacity to think reflectively will be illustrated by the use of clinical examples from my work as a trainee counselling psychologist. Furthermore, I will also explore how the development of reflective thinking has assisted in my ability to grow as an integrative practitioner. However, this paper will not suggest that I have become a fully integrated therapist or that my style of practice is fixed and thus not open to future development; it rather aims to demonstrate the ways in which the foundations towards this aim have been set.

Keywords:

• scientist practitioner model
• integration
• eclecticism
• therapeutic relationship