Doing Practice-based Research in Therapy

A Reflexive Approach

Sofie Bager-Charleson, Author

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Year: 2014
• Print ISBN:
  9781446266731
  9781446266724
• eBook ISBN:
  9781446297780
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: General Health

Learning how to use critical self-reflection creatively when practising therapy is an important component of training. This level of self-awareness is, however, often neglected in research, despite the centrality of the researcher to their work.  

Doing Practice-based Research in Therapy: A Reflexive Approach makes the vital link between practical research skills and self-awareness, critical reflection and personal development in practice-based research. Starting with a clear introduction to the theory, practice and debates surrounding this type of research, the book then guides the reader step-by-step through the practicalities of the research process, encouraging them to reflect upon and evaluate their practice at each stage.

The book:

- incorporates case studies throughout to illustrate different methodological approaches

- uses real life examples from students conducting practice-based psychotherapy research

- includes exercises, chapter objectives, end-of-chapter questions and suggestions for further reading to help consolidate learning

- encourages ongoing personal development by introducing personal development planning (PDP) and lifelong learning in the field of research.

By demystifying the reflexive approach, this highly practical guide ensures that trainees and qualified therapists get the most, both professionally and personally, from their practice-based research.

References

Adams M. (2012) ‘Placing ourselves in context: research as personal narrative’, in Bager-Charleson S., Personal Development in Counselling and Psychotherapy. London: Learning Matters. pp. 126–37.

AdamsM. (in press) The Myth of the Untroubled Therapist. London: Routledge.

Adams-LangleyS. (2011) ‘The Place2Be in the Inner City: How Can a Voluntary Sector Mental Health Service have an Impact on Children's Mental Health and the School Environment?’ Doctorate in Psychotherapy by Professional Studies, Middlesex University and Metanoia Institute, London.

AguinaldoJ.P. (2004) ‘Rethinking validity in qualitative research from a social constructionist perspective: from “Is this valid research?” to “What is this research valid for?”’ The Qualitative Report, 9 (1), March: 127–36. Available at: www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR9-1/aguinaldo.pdf [accessed November 2012].

AlexandrovH. (2009) ‘Experiencing knowledge’, in ClarkeH., and HodgettP. (eds), Researching Beneath the Surface: Psycho-Social Research Methods in Practice. London: Karnac. pp. 29–51.

AlvessonM. (2002) Postmodernism and Social Research. Buckingham: Open University Press.

AlvessonM., and SkoldbergK. (2000) Reflexive Methodology. London: Sage.

ArgyrisC., and SchönD. (1974) Theory in Practise: Increasing Professional Effectiveness. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

ArmstrongJ., HawkinsA., and ThurstonM. (2013) ‘Research in practice’, Therapy Today, 24 (4): 35–7.

Asherson BartramC. (2009) ’Narratives of Mothers in Stepfamily Situations: An Exploratory Investigation’. Doctorate in Psychotherapy by Professional Studies, Middlesex University and Metanoia Institute, London.

AtkinsonA. (2010) ‘The Long-term Post-abortion Experience: What Does a Psychotherapeutic Study Reveal about its Nature and Potential Therapeutic Input’. Doctorate in Psychotherapy, Middlesex University and Metanoia Institute, London.

AveyardH. (2010) Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A Practical Guide (2nd edn). Maidenhead: Open University Press.

AveyardH., and SharpP. (2009) A Beginner's Guide to Evidence Based Practice in Health and Social Care. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

BACP (2007) Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Lutterworth: British Association for Counselli...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Publisher Note
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• About the Author
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• One Real-life research
• Two Personal Development
• Three A Cross-Disciplinary and Multi-Method Approach of Multilingualism in Psychotherapy
• Four What is Evidence-Based Research?
• Five Formulating the Research Question
• Six Doing your Literature Review
• Seven Considering Ethics
• Eight The Researcher as a Person
• Nine Epistemology and Methodology
• Ten What is Reflexivity?
• Eleven Reflexivity on Introspection
• Twelve Reflexivity as Intersubjective Reflection
• Thirteen Reflexivity as Mutual Collaboration
• Fourteen Making an Impact
• Fifteen Concluding Remarks
• References
• Index