Exploring newly qualified counsellors’ understanding and practice of cultural attunement

This Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study seeks to explore how newly qualified counsellors conceptualise and experience cultural attunement, illuminating both perceived best practice and challenges encountered.

Cultural competence has long been regarded as good practice; however, contemporary literature proposes cultural attunement as a more appropriate approach to multicultural counselling practice. Despite this, empirical research on cultural attunement is limited.

The aim is to recruit 3–5 participants who have qualified within the last 12 months, excluding those who have undertaken any specific culturally focused continuing professional development (CPD).

Interested parties will receive a participant information sheet and then sent an informed consent form to sign, along with a debrief letter if they are happy to continue. Data will then be collected through recorded flexible semi structured interviews lasting 60–75 minutes.

Participants’ involvement and any information shared in this research will be kept confidential. Pseudonyms will replace identifiable information, and contextual details will be carefully reviewed to prevent inadvertent identity disclosure.

Throughout analysis, a detailed audit trail will be maintained, documenting each step from initial coding to the development of final themes, ensuring transparency and credibility. Participants will be offered the opportunity to review any transcript extracts selected for inclusion in the final write up to ensure their views are accurately represented.

To take part or view the participant information sheet, please see here.