This research explores how Counsellors and Psychotherapists living with Endometriosis experience and sustain therapeutic presence in their professional practice.
Endometriosis is a chronic and often debilitating condition that can cause severe pain, fatigue, and emotional strain, potentially influencing a therapist’s ability to remain fully present and ethically engaged with clients. While previous research has examined the impact of Endometriosis on general wellbeing, little is understood about how it affects practicing therapists.
This study aims to understand how therapists living with Endometriosis experience being therapeutically present, how they may navigate their own wellbeing and how these experiences shape their professional identity and ethical practice.
Using a Qualitative, phenomenological approach with semi-structure interviews conducted with therapists who have direct experience of the condition aiming to capture participants lived experiences in depth. The objective is to give voice to an underrepresented group, illuminate the personal and professional challenges they encounter and promote a greater understanding of how chronic illness intersects with therapeutic work, self-care and ethical practice within counselling and psychotherapy.
Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews designed to explore participants lived experiences of working within Counselling & Psychotherapy whilst living with Endometriosis. The semi-structured interviews allow for flexibility and aim to offer opportunities for participants to share personal and professional experiences in their own words while ensuring consistency across interviews.
Participants will be recruited through purposive sampling, targeting qualified Counsellors and Psychotherapists who have a formal diagnosis of Endometriosis and who are currently working in practice.
Recruitment will occur via professional counselling networks, social medica platforms and Endometriosis support groups.
Interviews will be conducted by myself, the researcher, who is also a counselling practitioner with a diagnosis of Endometriosis. This will ensure a sensitive and informed approach to the sensitive topic can be applied, aiming to build a place of safety and understanding for participants whilst they share deeply personal lived experiences. I have recognised the potential fatigue or pain which can often lead to mobility issues. Therefore to ensure an inclusive approach, interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams lasting approximately 45-60 minutes and will be audio recorded, following participants informed consent, whilst using secure and encrypted software.
To take part or for more information, please see here.
To view the participant information sheet, please see here.
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