Making Research Matter is an original contribution to the growing field of work-based learning with a focus on research aimed at developing the practice of counselling and psychotherapy addressing the practice-research gap. Stephen Goss, Christine Stevens and their contributors explore the links between research and professional practice and show how this can impact on practice to make a genuine, demonstrable contribution to the development of therapeutic services, good practice and the understanding of psychological and social issues.
The book is divided into two parts. Part one gives an account of the thinking, ethos and development of work-based learning. It explores the importance of the in-depth rigorous and reflexive inquiry skills needed to sustain research project work. Part two presents nine studies of work-based psychotherapy or counselling related research. Each account sets out the focus and motivation of the study and critically discusses how the research design was developed, the choice of methods employed, with an explanation of the outcomes. A vital part of each account is a review of how the research has been used to make changes and developments in the work setting.
Making Research Matter provides insights into the lived experience of the practitioner-researcher, to stimulate the reader to generate their own ideas for research enquiry. It presents a range of proven, successful research projects, and shows how they have made a difference in the development of theory and practice which lead to positive change, better services and more informed practice. It will be an essential resource for psychotherapists, counsellors, social workers, and those involved in coaching and clinical psychology.
"If you are currently undertaking a PhD or considering doing so, or are interested in the practice-research gap in counselling and psychotherapy, this is a must-read for you. The book aims to explore the links between research and professional practice through using real life examples of successful research projects. It richly succeeds." - Leah Drewitt, research intern in the BACP Research department, Therapy Today
"This book is recommended to those who want to research counselling practice, but are struggling with the idea. A text that offers hope!" - Windy Dryden PhD, Emeritus Professor of Psychotherapeutic Studies Goldsmiths, University of London
"Inspirational reading for anyone wanting research that is directly relevant to practice or thinking about doing a doctorate" - Tim Bond, University of Bristol and University of Malta
"This book provides a detailed and stimulating account of an innovative attempt to close the gap between research and practice in the field of psychotherapy. Essential reading for anyone who believes that research has a vital part to play in the development of services for clients." - John McLeod, Emeritus Professor of Counselling, University of Abertay
"Even if current notions of research in counselling and psychotherapy don't have value beyond the learning experience of the individual researcher, what is provided here is one of the most creative approaches available." - Professor Del Loewenthal, D Phil, C Psychol, UKCP reg., MUPCA (accred.) Director of the Research Centre for Therapeutic Education Convener Doctoral Programmes in Psychotherapy and Counselling Department of Psychology University of Roehampton, UK
