Qualitative Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy
- John McLeod - University of Oslo, Norway
Leading expert John McLeod helps readers through each stage of the research process, explaining techniques for gathering data, writing up the study and evaluating the findings. Each qualitative method is clearly described and critically assessed in terms of its own strengths and weaknesses. Examples from actual research studies are given to show how the methods work in practice. This new edition incorporates developments in qualititative research over the last ten years and includes eight new chapters, covering:
- interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)
- autoethnographic methods
- action research
- case study methods
For all those involved in research - whether as part of academic study or in practice -this book will be essential reading. As an introduction to qualitative methods, it is the perfect course text for all training programmes in counselling, counselling psychology and psychotherapy, and will also be of interest to those who work in areas such as psychiatry, clinical psychology and mental health nursing, or who provide counselling in other professional areas such as teaching, nursing and social work.
McLeod is Professor of Counselling, University of Abertay Dundee.
The book was adopted for an online introductory course in qualitative research, clinical psychology Masters level . It proved readable and offered effective experiential material. One student complained it was dense reading and she had to re-read passages. Other than that, everyone was pleased with the choice as our main text.
This volume perfectly compliments McLeod's previously published 'Doing Counselling Research', which was the main text we recommended in previous years to students undertaking their first consideration of evidence based practice. The newer title undertakes an elaboration of the process of qualitative research in relation to the subjects of counselling and psychotherapy in a very user friendly manner that supports students in finding some interest in the research process which has previously proved quite challenging. The subject has on occasion left the students cold and disinterested but having used the information in this book to inform my teaching practice, I have experienced a greater level of engagement with the majority of participants.
It may never be every counselling students deepest desire to undertake the piece of research that we as educators require them to do, but there is a greater chance of igniting the flame of interest through presenting them with textbooks which engage them in the process through being very user friendly and approachable.
Once again Mcleod provides an accessible yet rich text in which key issues regarding qualitative research are explored. Prominent methodologies are described and critiqued within the wider research context. This is valuable material for students at all levels and is presented in a way that inspires further reading.
A particularly useful volume for clinical psychology trainees, who often come with a background in quantitative methodology and whose awareness of qualitative approaches is occasionally limited to IPA. Impressive scope and lucid writing make this a clear recommendation to our students.
This books provides a very accessible explanation of qualitative research methods that are applicable beyond counselling and psychotherapy.
McLeod's textbook is a solid, reference volume which students can use as a standard base from which to extend their research practice. It demystifies the terminology and makes it accessible to the neophyte researcher. Highly recommended to our first year postgraduate students
This is a really good book for applied psychologists following courses in Educational Psychology and Couselling Psychology.
This valuable text offers trainees accessible insight into the importance of qualitative research in McLeod's familiar comfortable style
very informative providing clarity to a variety of research methodologies to assist understanding in what can be a very confusing area
This is a must have book for student or researchers who are more interested in using qualitative in their research work.
