What is the research about?

My name is Emmanuelle Wrightson, and I am currently studying for my MA in Psychotherapy Studies. I am inviting qualified psychotherapists to participate in a qualitative study exploring the "untold" lived experiences of spiritual, numinous, or anomalous phenomena within the therapeutic encounter.

In the context of this study: Numinous refers to non-rational, awe-inspiring, or felt experiences of the transcendent, sacred, or spiritual that sit outside standard conceptual frameworks. Anomalous phenomena describe unexplainable, unusual, or paranormal clinical events—such as synchronicities, non-ordinary states of consciousness, or felt-sense connections—that challenge traditional, secular models of practice. A documented "transpersonal gap" exists within UK therapeutic training; while many practitioners identify as spiritual, training programs offer limited preparation for navigating transpersonal dimensions. Consequently, a "culture of silence" can arise where therapists feel hesitant to discuss experiences that fall outside secular, medicalised frameworks.

Using van Manen’s Hermeneutic Phenomenology, this research aims to provide a dedicated space for practitioners to voice unexplainable or transcendent clinical moments (such as synchronicities, felt-sense connections, or non-ordinary states). The study aims to inform future training and clinical understanding of how these dimensions manifest in practice.

Who can participate?

You are eligible to participate if you:

  • Are a qualified psychotherapist or counsellor.
  • Practice across any therapeutic modality.
  • Are currently located in the North of England (to facilitate face-to-face interviews).
  • Have experienced a spiritual, numinous, anomalous, or transpersonal event - or an experience you cannot easily explain - within the therapy room.


What does participation involve?

  • Data Collection: Participation involves taking part in a single, face-to-face, semi-structured hermeneutic interview exploring your lived experiences.
  • Anonymity & Confidentiality: To safeguard your professional identity and ensure robust anonymity, findings will be processed using "Crafted Stories” - a qualitative distillation method that reduces transcripts into anonymised narratives while preserving the phenomenological essence of your experience.
  • Support: Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time prior to data synthesis.

A full Participant Information Sheet (PIS) containing definitions of key terms will be provided before the interview.




Ethical Approval

This study has received full ethical approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (Supervisor: Lindsey Moses).

How to register your interest

Please see here for more information.

If you are interested in taking part or would like further details, please contact the lead researcher, Emmanuelle Wrightson > email: 2158849@student.bacoll.ac.uk