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Qualitative Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy
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Qualitative Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Second Edition


March 2011 | 352 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
The need to show how and why counselling works has led to an explosion of research activity, and a growing focus on research in counselling and psychotherapy teaching and practice. Yet this book, even now in its second edition, stands alone in addressing qualitative research in therapy.

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.

 
Qualitative Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Achievement and Potential
 
The Philosophical Basis of Qualitative Research
 
Doing Qualitative Research
 
Phenomenological Research
 
Ethnographic Approaches to Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy
 
Using Grounded Theory
 
Variants of Grounded Theory: Thematic Analysis, Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Consensual Qualitative Research and Ideal Type Analysis
 
Analysis of Conversation and Discourse
 
Narrative Analysis
 
Personal Experience Methods: Heuristic Research and Autoethnography
 
Using Participation in Inquiry to Enhance Practical Knowing: Action Research
 
Qualitative Case Studies
 
The Role of Qualitative Methods in Outcome Research
 
The Concept of Validity in Qualitative Research
 
Next Steps: Taking the Research Agenda forward

Very good scope for introducing students to qualitative research. I used it for parallel comparisons with quantitative research for Introduction to Psychotherapy research courses

Mr Iván Armijo
Psychology, Catholic Pontifical Univ of Chile
March 22, 2014

Deemed not sufficiently rigourous for the course. Requested library to order.

Professor Jon Crook
School Of Education, Texas Wesleyan University
October 19, 2013

This textbook is very comprehensive and I really like the fact that it is applied to the counselling and psychotherapy profession. Since the students I teach are at doctoral level in counselling psychology, they are able to directly apply the learning gained from the book into their research

Dr Angela Loulopoulou
Psychology , London Metropolitan Uni (North Campus)
September 5, 2013

Students are now progressing to an MA Dissertation year and this is one of the books I will be recommending as essential reading as they prepare.

Dr Christine Stevens
Extension Studies, St Johns College
March 24, 2013

A very good text for MSc students considering a qualitative approach to their research, or for those who are not clear on the various options available.

Dr Clare Green
Division of Psychology, Northampton University
August 7, 2012

Key text for masters' level students who need to read research papers critically, understand a range of research methods and conduct a small research project for their dissertation. This is an excellent book which students are recommended to read on starting the course and refer to throughout.

Ms Jane Macaskie
School of Healthcare, Leeds University
June 21, 2012

A practical and accessible books for any practitioner thinking of undertaking qualitative research.

Especially useful for students thinking about research methods for undergraduate and MA research.

Mr John Dixon
Counselling, Cleveland & Redcar College
May 31, 2012

An excellent, thorough book which will be invaluable to MSc students from the second year onwards. It is very comprehensive which is both an asset but also a little broad for for students with a limited interest in research. Best for final year students.

Phil Joyce
Psychology , Metanoia Institute
May 9, 2012

A seminal text on qualitative research methods. The text is clear and makes research accessible to counselling students.

Ms Raje Suzanne Airey
Counselor Education , Colchester Institute
March 6, 2012

Good, clear book - very helpful for writing a research proposal and the early stages of research.

Mr Kevin Hogan
Psychology & Counselling, Newman University College
February 10, 2012

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1