Participant Information Sheet

Participant Information

I would like to invite you to take part in a research study. Before you decide to take part, you need to understand why the study is being done and what it would involve for you. Please take time to read the following information carefully. Ask questions if anything you read is not clear or if you would like more information about. Take time to decide whether or not to take part. Your contribution is valued, though participation is entirely voluntary. Your data will be kept securely, and any data you give will be presented anonymously.

What is the Study About? (What are you researching? My research project investigates how qualified counsellors perceive and experience personal development in relation to their intersecting identities within professional practice. I aim to understand how counsellors with multiple intersecting identities, such as gender, disability, race, class, sexuality, age, or cultural background, perceive the interactions among these aspects of their identities and how this influences their therapeutic relationships and ongoing professional development.

Why is the study being carried out? (Explain why you are doing this study) Whilst existing research often focuses on single identity factors (such as race or gender), there is a gap in current literature exploring how multiple identity factors interact and shape counsellors' personal development within therapeutic practice. I will analyse my findings from the semi-structured interviews using thematic analysis. I hope this research will contribute to a greater understanding of diversity within the counselling profession and inform future counsellor training and development.

What would you do if you agreed to participate in the study? (Would the participant be interviewed, observed or complete a questionnaire?) As a participant in this research project, you will be asked to take part in a semi-structured interview using Microsoft Teams, lasting no longer than one hour. You will be asked 10 questions regarding your experience of how intersecting identities have influenced your personal and professional life as a counsellor. These questions will be emailed to you one week before the interview, so you have time to reflect on them. If I receive interest from more than four participants, I will randomly select four participants. I will do this by assigning a random number to each participant and then using a random-number generator (such as Google’s random selection tool) to select the four participants. This will ensure a fair, non-biased selection process. If you are selected, I will email you the consent form. Once I receive your signed consent form, I will call you at a suitable time to arrange a date and time for the interview that is convenient for you. Using an online platform will remove geographical restrictions within the UK. I will use a qualitative methodology to capture your responses. The interview will be audio-recorded and transcribed. Each participant will be asked the same 10 questions, with flexibility to explore emerging themes in more depth. I will use Thematic Analysis to identify and analyse themes in the data you provide. This data will be stored on a password-protected laptop that I have access to. Only I, my research supervisor, the first marker, the second marker, and the external examiner will see your anonymised data. The data will be kept until my research project is marked and passed. No longer than 12 months after this, your data and personal details will be securely destroyed by electronic shredding. You do not need to use your real name or have your camera on during the interview. You will not be personally identifiable from the written transcript, analysis, or final dissertation. I will send you a follow-up wellbeing email, one week after the interview, to check how you are feeling, including signposting to support services if needed. There will be no payment for your participation. A copy of the final submitted research project will be available for you to read if you would like.

Do you have to take part?

No participation is entirely voluntary. If you do decide to take part, you will be asked to sign a consent form to show you agreed to do so. You are free to withdraw at any time, but no later than 4 weeks before the project/dissertation hand in date, which is DDMMYY (End of April 2027) without giving a reason and without fear or favour. If you withdraw, then any evidence/data collected form you will not be used and will be destroyed.

Researcher Contact details: Researcher Email address: 19182236@students.ncclondon.ac.uk

Thank you for taking the time to read this information sheet.