A case for taking the dual role of counsellor-researcher in qualitative research

ABSTRACT

There is ongoing debate about whether the challenges of practice-based research in counselling, with clients’ discourses providing the raw data, can be overcome. This article begins by considering the argument of whether taking a dual role of counsellor-researcher within case study research is a legitimate qualitative approach. A case example using sand-tray in short-term therapy with adults from a pluralistic perspective is provided to demonstrate how the challenges of the dual role can be managed to produce effective research findings. It is suggested that this approach closes the gap between research and practice to produce findings that are highly relevant to the counselling context. The ethical considerations of taking a dual role of counsellor-researcher are considered, and opportunities and challenges when adopting this approach are identified.

KEYWORDS:

• Dual-role
• pluralism
• counsellor-researcher
• intra-phenomenological process
• inter-phenomenological process
• role-fluency
• reflexivity
• sand-tray intervention

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Doreen Fleet

Doreen Fleet (BACP Accredited) is a Senior Lecturer at Staffordshire University, United Kingdom. She is award leader of the MSc/Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and teaches professional counselling courses.

Amy Burton

Dr. Amy Burton is a Chartered Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Health Psychologist, and Course Director for the MSc Health Psychology at Staffordshire University.

Andrew Reeves

Andrew Reeves is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Chester, a BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor, Senior Counsellor at the University of Liverpool Counselling Service, and Chair of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Mani P. DasGupta

Dr. Mani P. DasGupta is a Chartered Psychologist, member of the Cognitive and Development Sections of the British Psychological Society, and Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Staffordshire University.