`A new book by John McLeod is always a treat and, like good qualitative research, takes the reader by surprise, and shows him or her something new. The revelation to me in this book is its focus on philosophy (rather than psychology) and on John's insistence that qualitative research is rooted in a mixture of phenomenology and hermeneutics. Those of us engaged in qualitative research are challenged to underpin our work with a deeper awareness of relevant philosophy with Chapters 2, 3 and 4 offering a good starting point. This book might not be seen then as being for the novice researcher who, in any case, would be best advised to start with one of John's earlier books: Doing Counselling Research (SAGE,1994) or Practitioner Research in Counselling (SAGE,1999). However, many parts of this book are essential reading for those beginning qualitative research. The first half of Chapter 9, for example, `How to Do Qualitative Research?' is rich material, as is Chapter 6, which explores grounded theory, referred to by John as the 2market leader2 in qualitative research. Chapter 10 takes a critical stance on randomized controlled trials before arguing the case for using qualitative outcomes measures: "Qualitative interviews appear to be, at present, the most sensitive method for the evaluation of the harmful effects of therapy and also for recording its greatest successes. The standardized self-report methods used in randomized trials appear both to inhibit criticism of therapists and reporting of deterioration and also give little scope for clients to describe the hugely positive transformational experiences that can sometimes take place in counselling". `This book deeply addresses what it means to do qualitative research into counselling and psychotherapy with plenty for the novice researcher and even more for those already deeply immersed in qualitative research' - William West, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research Qualitative methods are particularly suited to answering the kinds of questions that counsellors and psychotherapists need to ask about their practice. Qualitative Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy has therefore been written to help researchers find their way through the range of methodologies and techniques available to them. Leading expert, and bestselling author John McLeod takes the reader through each stage of the research process, explaining techniques for gathering data, writing up the study and evaluating the findings. Each qualitative method is clearly described and critically assessed in terms of its own strengths and weaknesses. Examples from actual research studies are given to show how the methods work in practice. The need to show how and why counselling works has led to an explosion of research activity. For all those involved in research - whether as part of academic study or in practice this book will be essential reading. As an introduction to qualitative methods, this it is certain to be widely recommended on courses in counselling and counselling psychology and will also be of interest to those who provide counselling in other professional areas such as nursing and social work.

The need to show how and why counselling works has led to an explosion of research activity, and a growing focus on research in counselling and psychotherapy teaching and practice. Yet this book, even now in its second edition, stands alone in addressing qualitative research in therapy. Leading expert John McLeod helps readers through each stage of the research process, explaining techniques for gathering data, writing up the study and evaluating the findings. Each qualitative method is clearly described and critically assessed in terms of its own strengths and weaknesses. Examples from actual research studies are given to show how the methods work in practice. This new edition incorporates developments in qualititative research over the last ten years and includes eight new chapters, covering: - interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) - autoethnographic methods - action research - case study methods For all those involved in research - whether as part of academic study or in practice -this book will be essential reading. As an introduction to qualitative methods, it is the perfect course text for all training programmes in counselling, counselling psychology and psychotherapy, and will also be of interest to those who work in areas such as psychiatry, clinical psychology and mental health nursing, or who provide counselling in other professional areas such as teaching, nursing and social work. McLeod is Professor of Counselling, University of Abertay Dundee.

The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research in Psychology provides comprehensive coverage of the qualitative methods, strategies and research issues in psychology, combining ′how-to-do-it′ summaries with an examination of historical and theoretical foundations. Examples from recent research are used to illustrate how each method has been applied, the data analysed and insights gained. Chapters provide a ′state of the art′ review, take stock of what′s been achieved so far and map trajectories for future developments. As such, the book will constitute a valuable resource for both experienced qualitative researchers and novices for many years to come. The Handbook is divided into three main sections. Part 1: Methods contains fourteen chapters on methodological approaches, ranging from established ones like Ethnography and Grounded Theory to more recent ones such as Memory Work. Part 2: Perspectives & Techniques includes chapters on Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research, key alternative standpoints such as Feminism, the use of computer technologies and the internet in qualitative research. Part 3: Applications reviews qualitative methods applied to13 sub-disciplines ranging from Cognitive to Post-colonial Psychology.

Research is a vital and often daunting component of many counselling and psychotherapy courses. As well as completing their own research projects, trainees across modalities must understand the research in the field – what it tells them and how to do it. Breaking down this seemingly mountainous task into easy to swallow pieces, this book will navigate your students through each stage of the research process, from choosing a research question, through the pros and cons of different methods, to data analysis and writing up their findings. Written by leading contributors from the field including John McLeod, Mick Cooper and Tim Bond, each chapter features points for reflection, engaging activities and suggestions for further reading, helping students to engage with all aspects of research. An original graphic narrative runs throughout the book, bringing this complex topic to life in a unique way. Whether embarking on research for the first time or already a little familiar with research and research methods, this unique guide is something counselling and psychotherapy students will turn to continually throughout their research projects.

From leading researcher and bestselling author, John McLeod, this substantially rewritten and restructured third edition is the most accessible and comprehensive ′how to′ guide on conducting a successful research project in counselling and psychotherapy. Taking you step-by-step through the research process, this new edition includes: A list of 9 basic principles for doing meaningful and practically useful research Chapters on basic research skills: developing a research question, critically evaluating research studies, compiling a research proposal, using qualitative and quantitative methods, and fulfilling the requirements of ethics committees Chapters on 5 main types of research product that can be accomplished by novice researchers: qualitative interview studies, systematic case studies, practice-based outcome research, autoethnographic inquiry, and publishable literature reviews Guidance on how to get your work published. Supported by a companion website offering relevant journal articles, sample ethical consent forms, links to open access research tools and more, this is an indispensable resource for any counselling trainee or practitioner learning about the research process for the first time. John McLeod is Emeritus Professor of Counselling at the University of Abertay Dundee.

This textbook provides a guide to the development of a rigorous and creative research-supported practice for students, practitioners, and researchers in counselling and psychotherapy. With an emphasis on critical thinking and “research mindedness”, it introduces practical research skills and links them to self-awareness and critical reflection. Learning how to creatively and effectively use oneself in the treatment process is an essential component in therapy training and this level of self-awareness has long been a neglected area in research – until now. With examples ranging from private therapeutic practice to psychiatric related research, each chapter combines ‘how-to-do-it’ advice with illustrative real-life examples. The authors outline the use of a broad range of research methods, embracing Arts- as well as RCT-based research, and covering qualitative, quantitative, pluralistic and mixed methods approaches. Whether you are engaging with research for the first time or already developing your own research projects, if you are a student at diploma level or taking a Postgraduate research course for counsellors, psychotherapists and counselling psychotherapists, this is essential reading for anyone looking for a book that combines self-awareness with analytical and practical skills.

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′An unusually thoughtful, methodical, engaging text tackling essential research issues in an accessible and attractive way′ - Colin Feltham Emeritus Professor of Critical Counselling Studies, Sheffield Hallam University. Introducing Counselling and Psychotherapy Research provides an accessible yet thorough overview of the place that research has in the world of therapy. It introduces the reader to the language of research and helps students to identify themselves as researchers by supporting the development of their research literacy and awareness. Structured around common training topics, the book provides: - consideration of what research is and why people do it - discussion of key issues that individuals should consider before embarking on a research project - an informed overview of common research methodologies and methods - a reflection upon the need to place ethical mindfulness at the fore of any research project - advice and information on what you can do with your research once it′s complete. This practical book demystifies research through a model of collaborative and experiential learning, with training exercises, student reflections, further reading, guidance on how to complete a thesis or dissertation, study skills and tips on how to use research supervision and dissemination. Terry Hanley, Clare Lennie and William West work as directors and lecturers on the Counselling and Counselling Psychology programmes at the University of Manchester.

A complete introduction to the theory and practice of contemporary counselling psychology An excellent resource for students at undergraduate or graduate level, Counselling Psychology: A Textbook for Study and Practice provides valuable insights into the key issues associated with theory and practice in this field. The contributors represent a diverse array of approaches, reflecting the rich diversity within the area, and care is taken to avoid favouring any one approach. The book begins with an overview of the historical and philosophical foundations of counselling psychology, before taking a detailed look at major therapeutic approaches and exploring issues associated with specific client populations, ethics, research design, and more. In particular, the text seeks to explain how counselling psychology differs from and informs other areas of contemporary applied psychology. The result is an engaging balance of the personal and academically rigorous, presented in a highly accessible format. • An authoritative introduction to and key issues involved with the theory and practice of counselling psychology for students and practitioners at all levels • Considers all major approaches to psychotherapy including existential, person-centered experiential, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioural • Explores issues commonly encountered when working with specific client groups including children, people with intellectual disabilities, and emergency trauma victims

John McLeod’s bestseller provides a comprehensive, research-informed overview of the theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy. This new edition has been expanded to cover emerging aspects of contemporary practice, such as debates around neuroscience and integration; third-wave cognitive–behavioural therapies such as ACT, mindfulness and FAP; the experience of being a client; motivational interviewing; interpersonal psychotherapy; social dimensions of therapy; leaving therapy; gender and sexuality; spirituality; and key counselling and therapeutic skills and techniques. This sixth edition has been fully updated and revised throughout and is separated into a four-part structure for easy navigation. Each chapter also enhances learning with the following resources: • Case studies • Landmark and contemporary research studies • Topics for reflection and discussion • Suggested further reading An Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy has been the book of choice for students and tutors on introductory courses for over 25 years. “Professor John McLeod’s Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy is a classic text. In providing a comprehensive perspective on the field, it goes well beyond being a mere ‘introduction’. Not only does it deliver an encyclopaedic amount of information, but it also presents this information in an incredibly captivating manner. There is simply no other book on the topic to match it. This new edition, truly faithful to its predecessors, maps new innovations in the context of previous generations’ viewpoints. This is ‘the’ book on counselling and psychotherapy.” Ladislav Timulak, PhD, Course Director, Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, Trinity College Dublin “John McLeod has a talent for bringing readers into intimate contact with the experience of another person's experience. Through his evocative descriptions, accessible language, and plentiful examples you will find yourself looking through the eyes of both clients and therapists and developing a depth of understanding about important processes in psychotherapy. His position at the vanguard of psychotherapy research allows him to bring to life the practice of psychotherapy while posing research questions and stimulating curiosity about findings. His valuing of varied approaches to psychotherapy invites the reader to connect with diverse perspectives and consider their own beliefs.” Heidi M. Levitt, PhD, University of Massachusetts Boston, USA