This research explores how ‘authenticity’ is constructed in counselling psychology and asks what the ethical implications of this commonly taken-for-granted value might be. A discourse analytic approach known as ‘critical discursive psychology’ was used to examine eight counselling psychologists’ talk of ‘authenticity’ in semi-structured interviews. The analysis suggested that counselling psychologists may draw on a number of interpretative repertoires regarding ‘authenticity’, using them to establish their identity and negotiate their relationships with clients. However, taken together these repertoires might be said to form an ‘authenticity ideal’, which often functions to position the therapist as authentic and the client as inauthentic. Furthermore, in drawing upon various psychotherapeutic and humanistic discourses, the participants in this study appeared to be distanced from their power in positioning clients as inauthentic, although they demonstrated a problematizing of their own ‘authenticity’ in relation to the need for professional boundaries. This research suggests that talk of ‘authenticity’ tends to locate therapeutic action within a humanistic moral discourse of self-unity. This is of concern because the emphasis on individualism may lead therapists to underestimate the social and relational context of their clients’ difficulties. It should be noted that this critique falls not on the individuals involved in this research, for their answers were consistent with a range of accepted theoretical guidelines; but instead upon the reification of authenticity within counselling psychology and Western society in general. The participants in this study further problematized ‘authenticity’ in terms of needing to balance it with the demands of training and employment organisations. It was found that ii both institutional power and individual embodiment may act as ‘extra-discursive’ influences and constraints upon ‘authenticity’ discourse; however, the methodological feasibility of a critical-realist epistemology within discursive research is questioned. The limitations of the research findings and their relevance for reflexive practice are considered.

This investigation explored the phenomenon of motivation in the inter-relational space between therapists and clients. Its aim was to give voice to a small group of existential therapists who were trained and practise counselling psychology in the UK. Literature review focused mainly on the theoretical conceptualisation of motivation and its therapeutic implications across different modalities. Using a Relational-Phenomenological Approach, the investigation looked at the dialogical and co-creative nature of motivation in therapy. Themes emerged were indicative of motivation existing as multiple differently motivated selves in both therapists and clients. Differently motivated selves are characterised by their inner- and inter- relationality and give rise to kaleidoscopic relational dynamics in the inter-subjective space. Relational features such as openness, ability to stand on the edge with clients and total acceptance of the is-ness of the moment seem to co-create fertile ground for motivational transformations. I also experienced the co-creational, dialogical and motivationally transformational nature of differently motivated selves throughout the research process, which points at the multi-directional nature of motivation. Awareness of motivation is multifaceted and differently motivated selves and is interactional and dialogical, whereby the therapist cannot remain neutral can be useful in Counselling psychology.

In spite of the increasing popularity of coaching, little is known about what contributes to an effective coaching experience, particularly from a psychological perspective (Kilburg, 2001; Grant, 2001; Bluckert, 2005; Bowles and Picano, 2007). This study presents a longitudinal, case study of a coaching programme conducted in a large government agency, over a twelve month period. The study adopts the coachee perspective, commenting also on the role of the coach. Longitudinal studies using a mixed methodological approach are rare within coaching research (Feldman and Lankau, 2005). The principal aim of the study is to explore coaching effectiveness from a psychological perspective. Three key areas of research are explored: meta-cognition, interpersonal communication style and attitude. These are areas which have been highlighted as being important for coaching success (Grant, 2001; London and Smither, 2002; Bush, 2004; Feldman and Lankau, 2005; Kappenberg, 2008). The three coaching outcome measures used include; job performance, organisational commitment and organisational citizenship behaviour, which are thought to be useful indicators of organisational success (Meyer et al, 2002; Smith et al, 2003; Maharaji and Schlechter, 2007; Sarantinos, 2007; Van Vuuren, de Jong, Seydel, 2007). The key findings of this study provide some important evidence about those factors which influence coaching effectiveness. This empirical evidence enhances our understanding about how effects occur; identifying those groups of individuals more likely to be influenced by coaching. As anticipated results show that coaching has a positive impact on two of the meta-cognitive skills explored: self-efficacy and self-esteem (Bandura, 1997; Audia, Locke and Smith, 2000; Bouffard-Bouchard, 2001). However, findings also reveal two unexpected outcomes for meta-cognition: an increase in external locus of control, and a decrease in private self-consciousness behaviour. Additionally, results also show that interpersonal communication style and attitude of the coachee are important within the coaching relationship, and that the interpersonal communication style of the coach plays an important role in influencing coaching outcomes. The evidence provided by this study makes a recommendation for pre-coaching assessments of meta-cognitive skills, interpersonal communication and attitude of the coachee and also the interpersonal communication skills of the coach. This type of assessment provides a useful indicator of those areas which are likely to make a difference to coaching effectiveness as highlighted within this study.

Counselling and coaching use specialised skills to help individuals address problems and make a positive change (Egan, 2010). Whilst sharing many commonalities with counselling, the coaching industry has endeavoured to define boundaries between the helping approaches to establish discrete areas of practice. However, rather than observe theoretical boundaries, many coaches rely on personal experience to idiosyncratically define boundaries in practice (Maxwell, 2009; Price 2009). The reliance on experience to inform practice judgements has significant implications for novice coaches. Without the advantage of contextual knowledge to assist with identifying boundaries, it is important that newly trained coaches are aware of working within their competency to ensure good practice. To investigate whether clear boundaries could be identified, a mixed-methods approach was used to explore novice coaches’ and experienced coaches’ and counsellors’ experiences of working with the boundaries between the helping approaches. Study one incorporated a survey and Interpretative phenomenological analysis of interview transcripts to investigate novice coaches’ perceptions of boundaries. Study two utilised a survey design to gain a broad understanding of experienced counsellors’ and coaches’ perspectives, while Study three involved an in-depth analysis of the experiences of 20 coaches and counsellors working with boundaries between coaching and counselling in practice. Findings from the first study indicated novices’ confusion and inconsistencies when identifying the differences between the approaches. The results suggested that newly trained coaches may work beyond their competencies when working with mental health problems in practice. Results from studies with experienced practitioners indicated that there is a large overlap between the helping approaches and identified different ways of working with boundaries. Some practitioners were adamant that boundaries should be preserved between coaching and counselling. However, a third of practitioners surveyed indicated that integrating approaches would be beneficial to meet the clients’ needs. The thesis illustrates practitioners’ concerns relating to the content and provision of coach training programmes and offers recommendations that aim to encourage a review of minimum standards in coach education. In addition, collaboration between coaching and counselling professional bodies is suggested to establish ethical guidelines for coaches and counsellors who wish to blend coaching and counselling practice.

The focus of this study is on how counselling psychologists and other therapists interpret psychodynamic ideas. There is a dearth of qualitative work addressing this issue, particularly from the practitioner perspective. This study adopted a social constructionist version of Grounded Theory. Twelve volunteer therapist participants were interviewed (six counselling psychologists and six therapists accredited by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)). Therapists had a wide range of experience but all had at least one year of training in psychodynamic theory. The analysis produced a grounded theory that suggests a tension between realist and social constructionist epistemological stances to psychodynamic theories. An unquestioning use of psychodynamic ideas persisted whereby these theories remained uncontested and were spoken about as if they were indicative of reality. This alternated with a reflective use of psychodynamic ideas where a theory was seen as one explanation among many. A tension was apparent as therapists spoke from these epistemologically opposed stances. This tension was expressed through the demonstration of being drawn to use psychodynamic ideas unquestioningly as they seem to abate anxiety and provide a sense of professionalism and expertise. The benefits of thinking objectively about psychodynamic ideas draw therapists into speaking of them in this way, even when this approach was not in line with the their epistemological stance at other points in time. The tension seems to result from societal demands and contextual pressures as well as the inter-relational discourse with the researcher. It is suggested that practitioners in the field of counselling psychology as well as by practitioners accredited with the UKCP and BACP experience this phenomenon. Length of experience in practice did not play a significant factor in how therapists conceptualise psychodynamic ideas. A discussion of the implication of these findings and the potential for future research is also explored.

Older men are an under-researched population in Counselling Psychology. This thesis explores how older men in sobriety experience their emotions in therapy and aims to understand the meaning of these experiences from a psychologically gendered subject perspective. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six older men (aged 62 and above) and interview transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a qualitative methodology that focuses on the lived experience and the meaning people give to these experiences. The analysis highlighted significant challenges for older men when attempting to unlock, process or discuss emotions in therapy. The analysis also revealed positive transformational effects by those who were able to transcend the confines of gendered constructs with concerted emotional investments. The two master themes are: (1) CONTROL/REGULATION OF EMOTIONS including subthemes: Challenges to unlocking emotion; Importance of therapeutic emotional containment; Role of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the emotion sharing experience and (2) TRANSFORMATION/ALLEGIANCE TO SELF, including subthemes: Selfactualisation; Going into the heart of emotions as an emotional-spiritual journey. Participants expressed challenges to unlocking their emotions in therapy,which were mainly experienced as controlled or suppressed. Aging, masculinity and helpseeking theories, as well as addiction and recovery literature, are discussed in light of the findings along with suggestions for future research and implications in Counselling Psychology.

Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία είχε ως στόχο να μελετήσει το χιούμορ που δημιουργεί ο σύμβουλος στη συμβουλευτική διαδικασία. Ο χαρακτήρας της παρούσας έρευνας ήταν ποιοτικός, εστιασμένος στην φαινομενολογική μεθοδολογία. Επιδιώξαμε να μελετήσουμε το φαινόμενο λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τον τρόπο που το βιώνουν και το ερμηνεύουν οι μετέχοντες σε αυτό. Τα μέσα με τα οποία επιχειρήσαμε να ερευνήσουμε το θέμα ήταν με συνεντεύξεις σε 12 συμβούλους, ανάλυση περιεχομένου εικονικού κειμένου προερχόμενο από 2 βιντεοσκοπημένες ομαδικές συναντήσεις συμβουλευτικής και ημί δομημένες συνεντεύξεις στους 12 συμβουλευόμενους της ομάδας και στον σύμβουλο. Τα κυριότερα ευρήματα είναι: α) οι σύμβουλοι αξιοποιούν τα οφέλη που προσφέρει το χιούμορ για την επίτευξη συγκεκριμένων συμβουλευτικών στόχων β) το χιούμορ του συμβούλου λαμβάνει χώρα αυθόρμητα, ως ένα στοιχείο της προσωπικότητας του αφού δεν έχει λάβει την απαραίτητη εκπαίδευση για την εφαρμογή του ως τεχνική ή ως ολοκληρωμένη παρέμβαση, γ) οι συμβουλευόμενοι αντιμετωπίζουν με θετικό τρόπο το χιούμορ του συμβούλου και τέλος, δ) ανάλογα με τη χρονική περίοδο της συμβουλευτικής διαδικασίας το χιούμορ του συμβούλου διαφοροποιείται ως προς το είδος, τη συχνότητα και την κατεύθυνση. / The aim of this thesis was to study counselor’s humor during counseling sessions. The character of this research was qualitative, focused on phenomenological methodology. We sought to study the phenomenon considering the way participants experience and interpret it. The means we attempt to study the subject was by interviewing 12 counselors, virtual text context analysis derived from 2 videotaped counseling group meetings and semi structure interviews at 12 members of the counseling team and the leader. The main findings are: a) counselors utilize the benefits of humor to achieve specific counseling aims b) counselor’s humor takes place spontaneously, as an element of his personality, counselors didn’t received the necessary training to implement humor as a specific therapeutic technique either as a humor integrated intervention, c) clients deal positively counselor’s humor and finally, d) depending on the time of the counseling process counselor’s use of humor varies as to type, frequency and direction.

Procrastination as problematic delay is a widely occurring phenomenon in modern society. It is particularly prevalent in academic settings where some students avoid or postpone their work in numerous ways. Over the last three decades, a substantial body of quantitative and some qualitative studies have been conducted, however, to date researchers are still unclear about what causes this problem and how it can be effectively helped. Working with procrastination is therefore considered an important issue for counselling psychologists, many of whom work in university student counselling services. The aim of this research was to conduct an inductive qualitative study to explore how university counsellors understand and work with students who present for help with procrastination. Ten volunteer participants were interviewed who mainly identified themselves as working integratively. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted and the results produced four master themes that highlighted firstly general challenges of working with students who procrastinate in university settings. Secondly, three distinct styles of procrastination were identified from these participants’ accounts as “de-skilled”, “anxious/fearful” and “conflictual”. These indicated a need for tailored therapeutic approaches that seemed to be enabled by an integrative therapeutic stance. Overall, it may be concluded that procrastination as a presenting problem in academia is a heterogeneous phenomenon that requires adaptable therapeutic approaches for individual students’ styles in relation to studying autonomously.

This qualitative research study focuses on the negotiation of identity among British born Muslim women living in London in 2016. Semi-structured narrative interviews were carried out with five British Muslim women with the resulting data analysed using Critical Narrative Analysis. The analysis resulted in two overarching constructions; the construction of the Muslim woman and the construction of the British Muslim, underpinned by gender inequality. These intended to capture the rich and complex intra-psychic negotiations between identities for this population. The findings are discussed from a feminist perspective, and the impacts of broader social and cultural contexts were explored. Observations and suggestions were made in terms of implications for Counselling Psychology as a discipline, as well as the contribution of the study to therapeutic work, and avenues for future research were suggested.

Since 2010 when the previous Conservative and Liberal Democrat Coalition Government came into power, major alterations have been introduced to the welfare state in the UK. The policy, commonly known as 'the bedroom tax' (BT) has received widespread public and media attention for its controversy and perceived attack on the finances and living conditions of low-income, working age households in need of welfare support. The implementation of this particular policy has reduced housing benefits for social housing tenants who are deemed to be under-occupying their homes according to the policy criteria. Families therefore, who are deemed to have a 'spare room' are required to make up the short-fall in rent or downsize to smaller properties. Research has shown that this policy has pushed vulnerable social housing tenants further into poverty and debt. This thesis has been designed to understand the everyday psychosocial effects of this policy further. It is a unique case study exploring life from a lone mother's experience of the policy. Data was collected from two interviews and over a ten-month period to assess whether time would be a factor that would affect the story told by one lone mother as she lives with the impacts of the policy. Both interviews were subject to critical narrative analysis. Murray's (1999) 'levels of narrative analysis' were drawn upon to analyse the multiple narratives occurring within this participant's experience of the BT, shedding light on stories told at the personal, interpersonal, positional and ideological level. The critical narrative analysis then looked at how these stories at each level connected to highlight the psychosocial implications of living with the BT policy as a single mother. The eight plotlines discovered in the analysis demonstrate the complicated areas, which contribute to the story as a whole. Time showed that pervasive feelings of stigmatisation and enforced social isolation occurred due to reduced economic resources and dominant cultural ideologies directed at welfare recipients. Overall, the present case study findings provide an example of the interrelatedness of wellbeing and wellness in the context of public policy changes. Moreover, it shows that the current social and political conditions are challenging the lives of those who find themselves in vulnerable socio-economic positions. The case study poses a number of challenges for counselling psychology, especially as there are ongoing debates on how the profession can engage effectively with wider social and political issues.