Research Project: Lived Experiences of Ethnic Minority Counsellors

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS NEEDED

The Lived Experiences of Ethnic Minority Counsellors Are you an ethnic minority counsellor or a student currently in training who has started your clinical placement? Your voice is essential in shaping a more inclusive and representative future for the counselling profession.

About the Research

This study is being conducted by Tsitsi Adamson, a BSc (Hons) Counselling student at Riverside College in partnership with Staffordshire University. The research aims to explore the professional and personal "lived experiences" of practitioners from diverse ethnic backgrounds. While the counselling field increasingly emphasizes the importance of diversity, the specific challenges, barriers, and insights of minority practitioners—particularly during the transition into active clinical work—remain underrepresented in academic literature. This study seeks to bridge that gap by documenting your unique journey, reflections, and professional identity. Data Collection Methods Participation involves a confidential online questionnaire designed to capture the depth of your professional experience.

Format

A secure digital survey featuring a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended reflective questions.

Time Commitment

Approximately 45–50 minutes.

Focus Areas

The questionnaire explores how your cultural background intersects with your role as a therapist, your experiences during the training process, and your reflections on working with clients in a clinical setting.

Who Can Participate?

We are seeking participants who identify as being from an ethnic minority background and meet one of the following criteria:

Qualified Practitioners: Currently practicing as a counsellor or psychotherapist in the UK.
Trainee Students: Currently enrolled in a counselling qualification (Level 4 or above) and have officially started their clinical placement (direct client work).

Ethics and Confidentiality

Your privacy and professional safety are our highest priorities. This research has been reviewed and adheres to the Staffordshire University Ethical Guidelines and the Â鶹ԭ´´ Ethical Framework. All data is fully anonymised; no identifying information will be used in the final research report or any subsequent presentations. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw at any point prior to the submission of your responses.

How to Register Your Interest

To contribute your voice to this vital body of knowledge, please contact the lead researcher to receive the Participant Information Sheet (PIS) and the secure link to the study:
Lead Researcher: Tsitsi Adamson
Institution: Riverside College / Staffordshire University.
Subject: Research Participation

For more information, please see here.
To view the participant information sheet, please see here.

Thank you for your time and for helping to build a more equitable and culturally responsive landscape for the counselling profession.