Aim of Research

Counselling takes place in increasingly diverse physical settings, but less attention is generally given to how counsellors themselves experience these environments. As part of my MA in Psychotherapy Studies at Bishop Auckland College, I am conducting a qualitative study exploring how counsellors experience and make sense of the indoor physical environments in which their therapeutic work takes place. It is particularly interested in the relationship counsellors perceive between their working environment, their wellbeing and their experience of therapeutic practice.

The findings may contribute to professional understanding of counsellor wellbeing and inform consideration of how therapeutic spaces and counselling services are organised.

Data Collection Methods

Participation will involve one in-depth, semi-structured interview conducted online through Microsoft Teams. The interview will last approximately 60 minutes and will focus on your experiences of the physical environment in which you practise. Participants will need access to a computer with a working camera and microphone and a quiet, private place from which to participate. With your informed consent, the interview will be video-recorded and transcribed. The interview data will be analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). All participant information will be handled confidentially and anonymised within the completed thesis. Research data will be stored securely within Bishop Auckland College’s systems and used solely for this study.

The research has received ethical approval from Bishop Auckland College.

Before deciding whether to participate, you will receive a participant information sheet and consent form and will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Participant Criteria

I am seeking participants who:

  • are qualified, currently practising counsellors or psychotherapists;
  • currently practise in at least one indoor setting; and
  • are registered members of a recognised counselling or psychotherapy professional body, such as BACP, NCPS or UKCP.

How to Register Your Interest

If you meet the criteria and would like further information or wish to register your interest, please contact: Katie Adams MA Psychotherapy Studies, Bishop Auckland College

Please see here for more information.
Please see here to view the participant information sheet.