My research project will be a small-scale qualitative study of counsellors’ perspectives on working therapeutically with bereaved autistic clients and the use of creative interventions. This question will allow me to understand any adjustments that may be necessary to support an adult autistic client, and the benefits or disadvantages of using creative interventions. I am hoping this project will highlight areas that can be explored by a counsellor with their client and how best to offer support when they are experiencing bereavement.
I will ensure each participant is fully informed about my research project and has freely given consent to participate, whilst participant safety will be monitored for the duration of the project. I will use a qualitative methodology which will allow for phenomenological experiences to be explored. The method I will use will be centred around a semi-structured interview with a maximum of four participants.
Each participant will be asked the same ten core questions to ensure consistency across all interviews. The interview will last no longer than one hour per participant. I will use thematic analysis of the data collected to identify any patterns or themes that may form.
A potential outcome of this research could be exploring whether creative interventions may support adult autistic clients to engage more effectively with bereavement counselling and what communication adaptations may be required. This small-scale study aims to explore counsellors’ experiences of bereavement work with autistic adults. The findings may highlight useful practice considerations and suggest further areas for research or a future training workshop.
I am looking for four qualified counsellors registered with the BACP, practising in the UK and who have worked with adult autistic clients experiencing bereavement. There are no restrictions on practising modalities, and the research project will not discriminate based on the nine protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act (Equality Act, 2010).
Once participants have been selected, I will email them the participant information sheet. If they wish to proceed with the project, I will email them the consent form. I will liaise with each participant via email to schedule a mutually convenient interview day and time. Any emails sent will come from my private student email address 19212871@students.ncclondon.ac.uk
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