I am conducting a small-scale IPA qualitative research study as part of my MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Waverley Abbey College. Suicide bereavement is increasingly recognised as a distinct and particularly complex form of grief, often involving experiences of trauma, stigma, shame, guilt and ongoing efforts to make sense of the loss.

While there is a growing body of research exploring the experiences of individuals bereaved by suicide, limited attention has been given to the experiences of counsellors who support children and young people (CYP) affected by suicide bereavement.

This study seeks to explore counsellors' lived experiences of supporting CYP bereaved by suicide, with particular attention to how practitioners make sense of this work, the impact it has upon them personally and professionally, and how it influences their therapeutic practice.

The research aims are:

  • To explore how counsellors make sense of their experiences of supporting children and young people bereaved by suicide.
  • To understand the emotional, personal and professional impact of this work on counsellors.
  • To explore the role of meaning-making, supervision, reflection and self-care in sustaining therapeutic practice.
  • To understand how counsellors perceive the influence of this work on their professional identity and development.
  • To identify therapeutic approaches and interventions counsellors find helpful when supporting suicide-bereaved children and young people.

What is involved?

Participation involves a single online semi-structured interview lasting approximately 60 minutes via Microsoft Teams. The study aims to understand your lived experience of supporting CYP bereaved by suicide. There are no right or wrong answers, and participants are encouraged to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable discussing. Interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed. All identifying information will be removed, and pseudonyms will be used throughout the research. Data will be stored securely in encrypted, password-protected files in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR requirements. Any quotations used in the final dissertation will be anonymised. A short debrief will take place following the interview, and participants may pause, take a break, withdraw from the interview, or withdraw their consent at any point without consequence.

I would be grateful to hear from counsellors who meet the following criteria:

  • Qualified counsellors, psychotherapists or counselling psychologists.
  • Hold a minimum Diploma Level 4 qualification.
  • Registered with BACP, ACC, UKCP, NCPS, HCPC or an equivalent professional body.
  • Have experience of supporting at least two CYP who have been bereaved by the suicide of a close family member, friend or significant person.
  • Have worked therapeutically with CYP within the last 18 months.
  • Are willing to participate in an interview conducted in English via Microsoft Teams.
  • Are currently practising within the UK.

This research has received ethical approval from Waverley Abbey College and will be conducted in accordance with the BACP Ethical Guidelines for Research in the Counselling Professions.

Further Information

For further information, please see here, or to express an interest in participating, please contact: Liz Deutsch MA Counselling and Psychotherapy Student, Waverley Abbey College elizabeth.deutsch@waverleyabbeycollege.ac.uk

Please see the Participant Information Sheet for full details of the study.

Interviews will take place from October 2026