Exploring the Counselling Process with Young People and the Use of Guided Digital Technologies
Aim of the Study:
My name is Dee and I am a postgraduate research student on an MSC program with the University of East London, School of Psychology. The aim of the study is to explore the counselling process for young people through the perspectives of counsellors and psychotherapists with an opportunity to trial and feedback on guided digital technology interventions. These include Avatar based VR technology, CBT style breathing and mindfulness apps, creative craft apps and web-based resources with games and talking cards. The research aims to understand how digital technologies could in the future become part of the integral process for counselling young people during face-to-face therapy as well as in between sessions and to examine current counselling practice with young people. The study will analyse data collected through semi-structured interviews using Thematic Analysis qualitative research methods. Ethical clearance has been obtained from UEL to conduct this study.
Participants required
- Counsellors/psychotherapists of children and young people (11-18 years old)
- Must have a minimum of 18 months experience of working with children and young people under the age of 18.
- Counsellors/psychotherapist in London, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
- Availability to participate face-to-face to trial interventions.
Participant involvement
Participants are required for a minimum of 2 in person semi-structured interviews as interventions cannot trialled over the internet. A third and final semi-structured interview can be completed online via teams. Participants will be given a Participant Information Sheet detailing the study, a Consent Form to sign and a Debrief Sheet with a list of support resources. Prospective and recruited participants are welcome to ask questions and find out information about the study through communication via email and teams, prior and during the formal semi-structured interview process.
Contribution
The study will provide valuable insight into the work with young people and the use of guided digital technologies by exploring how technologies could align with the values of Generation Z and Alphas and become an integral part of the counselling process. This nuanced field of study aims to open-up the discussion and support further research with what and how we can support our work with young people.
Contact
For more information about the study and information on how to participate please send an email to U2289675@uel.ac.uk. For more information, please see the attached Participant Information Sheet and flyer.
Many thanks
Dilek Djemil (A.K.A Dee)