The experience of therapy trainees and therapists participating in research  Mark Widdowson, University of Leicester  Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK Presentation based on research article;- “Mark Widdowson (2012): Perceptions of psychotherapy trainees of psychotherapy research, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research: Linking research with practice”

The research-practice gap and lack of engagement with research by trainees and qualified therapists is a widely discussed issue amongst psychotherapy researchers. The present study investigates the perceptions of psychotherapy trainees of psychotherapy research and explores what would encourage them to participate in research Research Practice Gap Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

Participants and Method  Two focus groups held at two different institutes  16 participants (5 male, 11 female)- all post- foundation year trainee TA psychotherapists at UK based institutes, mostly with no previous research training.  Focus groups transcribed and analysed using Thematic Analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006) Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

The focus group questions  What are your perceptions of psychotherapy research?  What experiences have you had with psychotherapy research?  What concerns would you have about getting involved in psychotherapy research?  What stops you or puts you off getting involved in psychotherapy research related to your practice?  What preparation and support would you need in order to get involved in psychotherapy research that would involve collection of data about you and your practice? Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

Results Superordinate Themes:  Barriers to participation in research  Perception that research is important  What would be facilitative to encourage participation Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

Barriers to Research Engagement  Lack of knowledge  Negative perception of research Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

Prototype Theme Statement: Lack of Knowledge  I don’t know enough about research… I don’t know what has been done, or what existing research has found and I don’t know how to do research Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

Prototype Theme Statement: Negative Perception of Research  My negative impression of research is that it… Isn’t for people like me, it is complex, boring and time consuming, it is not relevant to the practice of therapy and is an ethically dubious activity Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

Importance of Research  Understanding and improving how therapy works  Developing the profession Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

Prototype Theme Statement: Importance of Research  I know research is important… to help us to understand how therapy works, to improve how we do therapy, to contribute to our profession and to promote wider acceptance of TA and psychotherapy Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

Facilitating engagement in research  Need for practical research training  Benefits of taking part  Clarity of expectations  Protection from negative impact  Contribution, acknowledgement and belonging  Enhanced professional development Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

Prototype Theme Statement: What would be facilitative- preconditions  I will do research if… I am taught about practical research methods, It is practical, manageable and interesting, if I will benefit from doing it, if you are clear with me and my client about what will be expected of us, if my client or the therapy won’t be adversely affected, if I get a clear sense of what my contribution will be and if I am supported by my professional colleagues

Prototype Theme Statement: What would be facilitative- meeting my needs  What I want from participating in research is… to feel protected and supported and for my belonging needs, recognition needs and my professional developmental needs to be met Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

Goals:  Address negative perceptions of research  Ensure expectations of therapist and client are clear  Clarity around how the therapist will benefit from participating Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

The main limitation of this research is the relatively small sample size, which included only UK based TA psychotherapy trainees, which may limit the generalisability of the findings. The results suggest that interest in and willingness to participate in research exists but it is necessary for negative perceptions about research to be addressed and for researchers to design projects which are supportive of participants Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK

Mark Widdowson TSTA Psychotherapy has been in counselling and psychotherapy practice since He has worked in a range of settings, including with looked after children and care-leavers, abuse survivors, sexual health provision, several schools and youth groups, offenders, and he also has considerable experience of working with people with serious disorders. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, he worked in psychiatric services as a Community Mental Health Worker, where he was part of a team of three that won a National Mental Health Award in In addition to his professional practice, Mark provides consultancy on the development of academic programmes, course accreditation, course design, ensuring compliance with external monitoring and validation. He has developed several Masters programmes, in psychotherapy, in supervision and in counselling. Mark is the author of Transactional Analysis: 100 Key Points (London: Routledge 2009) and a range of articles and chapters. Mark is currently completing doctoral research on transactional analysis psychotherapy for the treatment of depression as part of a PhD with the University of Leicester. About the Author: Ref:- “Mark Widdowson. (2012) ‘Perceptions of Psychotherapy Trainees of Psychotherapy Research’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(3) University of Leicester - Leicester UK