What does it mean to be male in gendered trauma counselling work?
Male therapists’ reflections on gender and self in work with women who have experienced sexual violence and domestic abuse
Hello and thank you for your interest in this research piece.
I am a postgraduate student completing the MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of South Wales and am inviting participants to take part in a qualitative research study. This study aims to explore how male therapists experience and make sense of their own gender when working with women who have experienced sexual violence and/or domestic abuse. It will consider how this work may shape or challenge how male therapists think and feel about being men, how they relate to their gender identity within the therapy room, and how these experiences may influence their therapeutic relationships and practice.
While there is extensive research on trauma and abuse, and on working with survivors, there has been relatively little focus on how male therapists themselves experience their gender in this context. This study seeks to address this gap by focusing on therapists’ lived experiences and reflections.
I am seeking qualified male therapists based in the UK who: Are registered with a professional body (e.g. BACP, UKCP, or equivalent) Are currently in practice, or have been within the last two years Have experience working therapeutically with women who have experienced sexual violence and/or domestic abuse.
Participation involves a one-off, semi-structured interview (60–90 minutes) conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Interviews will be audio and video recorded for transcription purposes, and all data will be anonymised. Participants will have the opportunity to review their anonymised transcript.
The study has received ethical approval from the University of South Wales.
Please see the Participant Information Sheet here.
If you are interested in taking part, or would like further information, please contact:
Kristian Richings (MBACP) MA Counselling and Psychotherapy (Student)
University of South Wales