Using the Delphi Technique: Experience from the world of counselling and psychotherapy

Abstract

Background: Delphi studies have been popular in the health and social care domain for some time, particularly within nursing. They are used to elicit views and opinions from experts in the field on specific topics, without the need for face-to-face interviews. Focus: This paper brings Delphi methodology to the attention of potential researchers in the counselling and psychotherapy field, who may not have previously considered Delphi methodology, describing the researcher's experience of using a Delphi study through the media of electronic mail, and incorporating participant feedback. Aims: To discuss the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the complexities and limitations of the Delphi methodology. I will outline previous recommendations from Delphi researchers and offer further suggestions based on my experience of completing a Delphi study.

Keywords:

• Delphi study
• methodology
• participant response
• visual analogue scale

Acknowledgements

The research for this article was conducted as part of my studies for an MSc in Psychological Trauma at Chester University. I wish to thank the participants for their time and considerable contributions to this research.

Additionally I would like to thank Professor Fiona Irvine for commenting on a draft of this paper. Her feedback was much appreciated.