Participants are required for an upcoming research study regarding subject of client shame  

The research is part of my MSc in humanistic and integrative psychotherapy at Turning Point Institute and University College Cork.  

Shame is believed to be a common experience - some say the most common emotion experienced by therapy clients - and therapy itself can be a shaming experience.  However, shame is often hidden (no one likes to talk about feeling shame - even to our therapist).  The study is interested in hearing about therapists' experiences of client shame.  How it is recognised in clients and how best to work through shame – what worked with clients and what did not.  The study is also interested in participants who as counsellors/psychotherapists have experienced shame themselves when working with clients including any impact on the therapeutic relationship and practice.   

Eligibility

Participants must be pre-accredited or accredited psychotherapists/counsellors with the IAHIP or IACP and be practicing in Ireland.  No specialist knowledge of the subject is required - just an openness to discuss your views based on your reflection and experience with clients. 

If you meet the above eligibility criteria and would like to take part in the study, you will be invited to attend an interview that will take approximately one hour, at a mutually agreed time and place (due to coronavirus restrictions the interview is likely to take place online via zoom).  Your participation is entirely voluntary. 

If you wish to take part or would like more information on the study, you can contact me on the following: anitamcconnell@umail.ucc.ie 

Anita McConnell