Clinical parapsychology: counselling experiences of clients who report anomalous experiences and the training needs of therapists

Roxburgh, E. C. and Evenden, R. (2016) Clinical parapsychology: counselling experiences of clients who report anomalous experiences and the training needs of therapists. Poster presented to: Bial Foundation 11th Symposium: Behind and Beyond the Brain: Placebo Effects, Healing and Meditation, Casa do Médico, Porto, Portugal, 30 March - 02 April 2016.

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Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Abstract:	Objectives: To investigate 1) the experiences of clients who have reported anomalous experiences (AEs) in secular counselling services, 2) the experiences of therapists who work with such clients, and 3) the training needs of students. Method: Interviews were conducted with clients and therapists, and focus groups explored the training needs of students on counselling programmes. Results: When clients sought counselling the majority of participants we interviewed said that they felt dismissed when they tried to discuss AEs or reported that their counsellor did not take into account their worldview. Therapists reflected on how clients are often reluctant to disclose AEs to them for fear of being seen as ‘mad’. They emphasised the importance of exploring the meaning with clients rather than imposing an explanation or making a judgement as to the authenticity of AEs. Most of the students that took part in the focus groups felt that they were unequipped to work with clients who reported AEs and stated that they had not received any training on these issues. Conclusions: Findings have implications for clients in terms of accessibility of services, engagement with therapy, and psychological adjustment following AEs. It would be useful for therapists to have reliable and accurate information about AEs and/or for students to be introduced to the topic whilst undertaking training.
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF1001 Parapsychology. Psychic research. Psychology of the conscious R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC435 Psychiatry > RC475 Therapeutics. Psychotherapy B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF1048 Hallucinations. Sleep. Dreaming. Visions
Creators:	Roxburgh, Elizabeth C and Evenden, Rachel
Funders or Sponsors:	Bial Foundation, Porto, Portugal
Grant Reference Number:	108/12
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:	University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for the Study of Anomalous Psychological Processes University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Institute of Health and Wellbeing > Centre for Applied Mental Health Research University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences Research Centres > Centre for Health Sciences and Services
Date:	31 March 2016
Date Type:	Publication
Event Title:	Bial Foundation 11th Symposium: Behind and Beyond the Brain: Placebo Effects, Healing and Meditation
Event Dates:	30 March - 02 April 2016
Event Location:	Casa do Médico, Porto, Portugal
Event Type:	Conference
Language:	English
Status:	Published / Disseminated
Refereed:	No
Related URLs:	Conference
URI:	http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/8399

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