Are you a UK-based psychotherapist or counsellor with experience working therapeutically with older adults (65+)?
I am a Master's student at the University of East London conducting research for my dissertation project. The study explores how therapists experience and make sense of therapeutic work with older adult clients in private practice. While psychotherapy with older adults is a growing field, the voices of therapists doing this work in private practice are rarely heard. This research aims to contribute to a better understanding of an underrepresented area of therapeutic practice.
What participation involves
- Completing a short 3–5 minute questionnaire Taking part in a 50–60 minute online interview (Microsoft Teams)
- Reflecting on your experiences of working with older adult clients in private practice
Inclusion criteria
To take part, you must be:
- A qualified psychotherapist or counsellor
- Currently practicing in the UK
- With minimum two years post-qualification experience
- Working in private practice (solely or alongside other employment)
- Having worked therapeutically with at least one client aged 65+ in the past 12 months
Exclusion criteria
You cannot take part if:
- You are currently in training
- You have not worked with any clients aged 65+ in the past year
- Your work with older adults occurred only in organisational settings (not private practice)
Ethical approval
This study has been approved by the Department of Psychology and Human Development, School of Childhood and Social Care Research Ethics Committee, University of East London.
How to register your interest
Please see here for more information.
Please see here to view the participant information sheet.
If you would like to take part or have any questions, please email me at u1928810@uel.ac.uk.
I will send you further information about the study before you decide whether to take part.
Researcher: Elizabeth Ayers (MA student), University of East London Supervisor: Dr Luis Jimenez