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A mixed-methods approach to improving student well-being: an exploration of mindfulness and focusing.
Ellen Gunst, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Filip Raes, KULeuven; Marie Vandekerckhove, VUB; and Marisa Hoslet, Uantwerpen
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In today's fast-paced academic environments, stress among student populations has been noted to have a major impact on students’ well-being and academic performance. Barnett et al. (2021) suggest that in order to better understand and enhance student well-being, research is needed to target specific underlying mechanisms of stress and explore transdiagnostic approaches to the provision of intervention. The current study employs mixed methods to investigate the interventions aimed at reducing stress symptoms and enhancing the overall well-being in various student cohorts.
Specifically, the research compares two distinct training methodologies, i.e. mindfulness training and focusing training, and previously, the latter has never been studied in this context. The quantitative phase of the study will involve the implementation of these interventions across different student groups at different universities, with measurements taken before, during, and after the training periods to assess the changes in the stress symptoms and the indicators of well-being. Additionally, qualitative data will be gathered through interviews and open-ended survey questions to gain deeper insights into the subjective experiences and perceptions of participants who take part in one of the training programs. Through a rigorous analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, this research aims to uncover the relative effectiveness of mindfulness and focusing in reducing the stress symptoms and promoting the well-being among student populations. Differences between the training conditions will also be examined particularly in regard to the effect on the symptoms of physical stress versus those of emotional stress. In addition, we will also examine the influence of individual differences at the beginning of both training programs on body awareness and the cognitive emotion-regulation style. This will allow us to examine and how these coping skills moderate affect the effectiveness of both treatment methods.
Findings from this study will provide valuable insights into the practical implications of these interventions for educational institutions that seek to support the mental health and academic success of their students.
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Acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a brief preventive version of the Unified Protocol (UP-Prevent): A case study with women with subclinical symptoms of anxiety and depression
Catarina Francisco, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Liliana Pedro, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Cristiana Silva, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Ana Fonseca, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Maria Cristina Canavarro, University of Coimbra, Portugal; and Marco Pereira, University of Coimbra, Portugal
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Subclinical symptoms of anxiety and/or depression can cause significant distress and impairment in daily life, as well as increase the risk of developing emotional disorders. Transdiagnostic approaches, such as the Unified Protocol (UP), are well-established interventions for treating emotional disorders, and have been adapted for preventive contexts with promising results. In this study we describe the satisfaction, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a new, brief preventive version of the UP (designated UP-Prevent), delivered in a face-to-face group format across six sessions to three women presenting with subclinical symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Assessments were conducted at three time-points (pre-, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up) and included measures of depressive and anxiety symptoms, emotion regulation, positive emotions, positive mental health, and the UP-Prevent acceptability and satisfaction, evaluated through post-intervention individual interviews conducted by trained UP psychologists. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) was computed to analyze changes in the quantitative outcomes. Significant improvements were observed in the three participants in anxiety symptoms, emotion regulation, and positive mental health. All participants reported high satisfaction with the UP-Prevent, rating peer relationships and session dynamics as very good, and indicated that they would recommend the group format. The number, frequency, and structure of the sessions were considered appropriate, with sessions described as a very important moment of the week. The UP-Prevent contents, materials, and exercises were perceived as relevant, practical, and well-integrated into daily routines. These findings support the program’s acceptability and feasibility and suggest that UP-Prevent is a promising intervention for individuals with subclinical symptoms.
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Anonymisation of sensitive mental-health text data: a proof of concept using Natural language processing models on self-referral forms within University psychotherapy settings.
Anna Kamardina, University of Sheffield, UK; Nemanja Vaci, University of Sheffield, UK; and Emma Broglia, University of Sheffield, UK
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Aim
To develop an anonymisation pipeline for client text records from university psychotherapy settings that reliably masks personally identifiable information (PII) while preserving all clinically relevant information for subsequent research analyses.
Methods
We analysed retrospective data routinely collected by two UK university-based psychotherapy services, focusing on clients’ textual self-referrals describing their reasons for seeking psychological support (N = 27,325). We implemented a two-level anonymisation pipeline combining (1) spaCy’s transformer-based en_core_web_trf model for named-entity recognition (NER) with (2) an expanded rule-based layer tailored to the dataset. The second layer included custom EntityRuler patterns for institutional references, and contact details, as well as domain-specific libraries of mental health terms and organisations that were explicitly protected from masking. Evaluation was conducted on manually annotated subsamples of records (N=350: 200 fine-tuning, 150 validation). The study received ethical approval from the University of Sheffield Department of Psychology Research Ethics Committee (Ref.066737).
Results
The combined NER + rules approach achieved over 90% accuracy for PII categories, substantially outperforming the standalone NER model. The pipeline successfully retained all relevant clinical information for downstream analyses by reducing false positives involving mental health terms and organisations.
Discussion
This two-level, domain-adapted anonymisation strategy offers a practical, scalable solution for safeguarding sensitive clinical data. The workflow is transparent, easily adjustable, and can be replicated or generalised to similar datasets requiring high-fidelity de-identification without loss of analytical value.
Keywords: natural language processing, NLP, mental health, text data, unstructured data
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Effect and experienced value of a group-based stabilizing intervention for Complex PTSD. Protocol and preliminary qualitative data on a study of a clinical population
Marit Selnes, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Tordheim, Norway; and Katrine, Høyer Holgersen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Background: Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) includes the symptoms of PTSD, but also entails additional symptoms such as negative alterations in cognition and mood, and interpersonal difficulties, often arising from long-lasting and repeated traumatic experiences. The prevalence in clinical populations has been reported to be high. Guidelines for treating PTSD, recommending trauma-focused interventions such as CBT, EMDR, and PE are relevant for C-PTSD. Still, there is limited knowledge regarding effective treatments for the additional symptom clusters. Group-based treatments have received increasing interest as they provide treatments to more patients at a lower cost, and group processes such as social support and relational exposure may be beneficial.
Purpose: To present a) the research protocol of an ongoing RCT evaluating a combined group-based stabilization and skill-training (SST) intervention, and b) preliminary qualitative data from an early cohort of participants on factors identified as important for recovery.
Method: In this ongoing RCT conducted in a Community Mental Health Center, 160 patients will be randomized to receive either TAU or TAU combined with group-based SST. The main outcome is «Process of recovery», and participants will be followed for almost two years. Using a mixed method approach, clients’ voices will be amplified as a subgroup of participants will be invited to qualitative interviews on their experiences. In this poster, findings from a thematic analysis of an early cohort of five patients’ experiences will be presented.
Key findings and implications: possible implications for clinical and therapeutic practice in routine mental health services will be discussed.
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Gender and Intersectionality in Psychotherapy Research: Insights from a Participatory Systematic Review
Helena Dieterle, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany; Adina Kreis, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany; Tamara Schwinn, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany; Laura Klein, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany; Jonas Tesarz, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany; Manfred Beutel, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Ana Tibubos, Universität Trier, Germany; Nora Hettich-Damm, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany; and Rüdiger Zwerenz, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany
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Aim:
Biological sex, gender, and intersecting identities shape mental health risks and psychotherapy outcomes, yet RCTs rarely include gender-sensitive analyses or cover a broad range of disorders. The study “Evidence on Gender- and Intersectionality-Sensitive Psychotherapy” uses a participatory approach to examine (1) the extent to which psychotherapy RCTs incorporate gender- or intersectionality-sensitive analyses, and (2) the evidence for gender-specific psychotherapeutic interventions, with collaborating patients contributing lived experience throughout the process. The poster aims to present goals, methods and insights from the project.
Methods:
We conduct a systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD420251112590) using a participatory research approach. Randomized controlled trials of cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic psychotherapy reporting gender-sensitive outcomes or evaluating gender-specific interventions were included. The participatory component involves collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and psychotherapy patients with diverse gender and intersectional backgrounds. Joint discussions and feedback loops were used to refine the research focus and interpret findings.
Results:
The search yielded N = 8,855 records. Preliminary screening shows that gender- and intersectionality-sensitive analyses are rarely reported, non-binary groups are underrepresented, and most interventions focus on women’s reproductive or relational issues. The participatory process supported refinement of the search strategy, context-sensitive interpretation of findings, and identification of evidence gaps. Challenges included methodological complexity, limited time, and differing expectations.
Conclusions:
The review reveals substantial gender data gaps and limited inclusive interventions in psychotherapy research. Participation served both as a methodological tool and a collaborative dialogue, enabling iterative reflection and refinement. Findings can guide future study designs, foster equitable psychotherapeutic practices, and inform recommendations for participatory research in mental health.
Keywords: Participation, systematic review, gender data gap, psychotherapy
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How does psychotherapy effect significant others of patients? - A systematic review
Teresa Neufanger, Technical University, Chemnitz; Bernhard Strauß, University Hospital, Jena, Germany; and Rahel Klatte, University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Psychotherapeutic treatments primarily target individuals with mental disorders but may also affect the lives of their significant others. These indirect effects can involve psychological, emotional, and relational domains; however, research to date has been fragmented and lacking systematic synthesis. The present study summarizes and structures existing evidence on the effects of psychotherapy on significant others through a systematic review. Effect dimensions and influencing factors are identified, a preliminary theoretical model is proposed, and implications for research and clinical practice are outlined.
A systematic literature search was conducted in Web-of-Science, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library. Following predefined inclusion criteria, 39 primary studies and three review articles were included. Data were synthesized using qualitative coding with inductively developed thematic categories.
The evidence base proved conceptually and methodologically diverse. Findings indicated positive, negative, ambivalent, or no perceived effects across domains, including emotional well-being, relationship dynamics, and the mental health of significant others. Reported effects appeared to be influenced by baseline characteristics, relational variables, and therapy-related process factors. However, methodological limitations and heterogeneous outcome reporting restricted interpretability.
Overall, psychotherapy may be associated with diverse changes in significant others’ experiences, yet these effects remain insufficiently examined. This underscores the need for further research focusing on significant others’ perspectives and greater consideration of indirect therapeutic effects in research and practice. By synthesizing these perspectives, this study broadens the empirical basis of client-centered psychotherapy research beyond the individual patient and supports a practice-oriented understanding of psychotherapy that considers relational experiences when reflecting on therapeutic processes and outcomes.
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Intergenerational Effects of Parental Adverse Childhood Experiences on Children’s Personality Functioning: The Mediating Role of Parental Mentalization
Peter Zumer, Child Guidance Clinic Vienna; Claudia Konrad, Die Boje; Stefan Lang, Child Guidance Clinic Vienna; and Christin Reisenhofer, Child Guidance Clinic
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Early adverse experiences can shape psychological functioning across the lifespan and may influence the development of the next generation. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, are associated with increased risk for mental and physical health problems in adulthood. Increasing evidence suggests that these experiences may also affect children indirectly through intergenerational transmission processes. However, the mechanisms through which parental ACEs influence children’s psychological development remain insufficiently understood.
The present study examines the relationship between parental ACEs and the level of personality functioning in their children, focusing on parental mentalization as a potential mediating mechanism. Personality functioning in children—encompassing identity, self-regulation, empathy, and relational capacities—represents a central dimension of psychological development and vulnerability to psychopathology.
The study adopts a mixed-methods design combining quantitative and qualitative assessment approaches. Parental ACEs will be assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire. Parental mentalization will be measured through the Parent Development Interview (PDI) and the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ). Children’s personality functioning will be evaluated using the Level of Personality Functioning (LoPF-12) and OPD-KJ structural assessment, while child psychopathology will be assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).
It is hypothesized that higher parental ACE scores will be associated with lower parental mentalization capacities and poorer personality functioning in children. Furthermore, parental mentalization is expected to mediate the relationship between parental childhood adversity and child psychopathology.
By integrating psychodynamic and dimensional models of personality functioning, this study aims to advance the understanding of intergenerational transmission mechanisms.
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Microaggressions in Psychotherapy: A Multi-Perspective Study Focusing on Patient Experiences
Anna Walda, University Greifswald; Julia Vogel, Universität Greifswald; Kae Eichel, Universität Greifswald; Josefine Abraham, University of Greifswald; Alicia Beck, University of Greifswald; Pia-Marie Casser, University of Greifswald; Laura Fiero, University of Greifswald; Juliane Füchtemann, University of Greifswald; Emely Giersch, University of Greifswald; Nathalie Graw, University of Greifswald; Lisa-Marie Klar, University of Greifswald; Mara Kruschel, University of Greifswald; Alina Lendt, University of Greifswald; Lea Mannewitz, University of Greifswald; Milena Möhring, University of Greifswald; and Melissa Sue Schleede, University of Greifswald
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Purpose:
Submitted to the 7th Joint UK SPR and EU-SPR Society for Psychotherapy Research Conference, this study investigates microaggressions in psychotherapy from two complementary perspectives: patients and psychotherapists. It examines how psychotherapists and psychotherapists in training perceive, classify, and reflect on microaggressions within therapeutic interactions, with particular attention to the role of patients’ gender, body shape, and ethnic or cultural background in shaping communication processes.
From the patient perspective, the study explores how individuals experience microaggressive behaviors during psychotherapy, including those related to racism, body shape, and sexism. It further examines whether such experiences co-occur with additional dimensions of discrimination.
Method:
Conducted as part of a research internship within the Master’s program in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the University of Greifswald, the study follows an exploratory cross-sectional design using anonymous online surveys for both patients and psychotherapists (including trainees). Standardized items assess sociodemographic and therapy-related variables. Open-ended questions explore experiences, perceptions, and reflections regarding racist, body-related, and sexist microaggressions. Qualitative data are analyzed using qualitative content analysis with the aim of systematically classifying reported experiences and related variables.
Implications:
By integrating patient and therapist perspectives, the study provides a structured empirical basis for understanding microaggressions in psychotherapy. The findings are intended to strengthen awareness of discriminatory dynamics in clinical practice and to inform approaches for enhancing sensitivity and reflective capacity in training and professional development.
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Microaggressions in Psychotherapy: Therapists’ Perspectives within a Multi-Perspective Research Project
Julia Vogel, Universität Greifswald; Anna Walda, University Greifswald; Juliane Füchtemann, University of Greifswald; Pia-Marie Casser, University of Greifswald; Josefine Abraham, University of Greifswald; Laura Fiero, University of Greifswald; Kae Eichel, Universität Greifswald; Melissa Sue Schleede, University of Greifswald; Lisa-Marie Klar, University of Greifswald; Milena Möhring, University of Greifswald; Alicia Beck, University of Greifswald; Emely Giersch, University of Greifswald; Lea Mannewitz, University of Greifswald; Nathalie Graw, University of Greifswald; Mara Kruschel, University of Greifswald; and Alina Lendt, University of Greifswald
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Purpose:
This research examines psychotherapists’ perspectives on microaggressions in clinical practice. Replicating and extending Moeller and Vossler’s British study, it investigates microaggressions in German psychotherapeutic settings through a multi-perspective approach and represents the first part of the project “Microaggressions in Psychotherapy: A Multi-Perspective Study”, conducted at the University of Greifswald within the Master’s Program in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. The study explores how licensed psychotherapists and psychotherapists in advanced training (PIAs) perceive, classify, and reflect on their own potential microaggressive behaviors (e.g., racist, sexist, or body-related) during therapeutic interactions. It further examines how patient characteristics, including gender, body shape, or cultural background, may influence communication processes in psychotherapy.
This abstract is submitted for the the 7th Joint UK SPR and EU-SPR Society for Psychotherapy Research Conference.
Method:
An exploratory cross-sectional design was implemented using an anonymous online survey (15–20 minutes). The sample included psychotherapists and therapists in advanced training from diverse therapeutic orientations across Germany. Standardized items assessed sociodemographic and professional characteristics, while open-ended questions explored experiences with microaggressions, self-reflective processes, and perceived repair attempts. Qualitative responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Key Implications:
Findings indicate variability in therapists’ awareness, conceptualization, and reflective engagement regarding microaggressions. Results emphasize the importance of structured self-reflection and supervision to address subtle discriminatory dynamics that may impact the therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes. By focusing on therapists’ perspectives, the study contributes to psychotherapy process research and supports evidence-informed clinical practice through enhanced reflexivity and sensitivity to diversity.
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Narcissism Facets and Gelotophobia as Predictors of Early Outcomes in Group Psychotherapy for Personality Difficulties
Anna Zajenkowska, University Vizja
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Objective: This study investigated how specific narcissistic traits, gelotophobia (fear of being laughed at) predict changes in depressive symptoms and negative affect during the first three months of treatment in individuals with personality difficulties.
Method: Forty-eight patients (75% female, M age = 31.76) with personality difficulties participated in group psychotherapy. Narcissistic traits were assessed using composite dimensions (narcissistic neuroticism, agentic extraversion, antagonism); gelotophobia was also measured. Outcome variables were depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) and negative affect (PANAS-X), measured pre-intervention and after 3 months of psychotherapy. Hierarchical regressions were conducted to test the hypotheses.
Results: Narcissistic neuroticism significantly predicted increases in both depressive symptoms (β = –0.501, p = .005) and negative affect (β = –0.571, p = .001). Gelotophobia was correlated with symptom worsening but did not add predictive value beyond narcissistic neuroticism.
Conclusion: Narcissistic neuroticism is a key predictor of early symptom deterioration in group psychotherapy. Pre-treatment assessment of this trait may help clinicians anticipate early distress and adjust therapeutic interventions accordingly.
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Testing a monitoring tool. Getting a grip on mental spatial diagnosis.
Lucas A.C. Derks, SOMSP; and Rod Waddington, SOMSP
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Dr. Lucas A.C. Derks, Society for mental space psychology, researcher.
Dr. Rodney Waddington, Society for Mental Space Psychology, president.
Diagnosis in mental health is generally based on clinical observations and interviews using questionnaires as tools in conjunction with the DSM 5, resulting in a subjective diagnosis based on the clients SUD measurements. Is there an alternative way to validate the SUD measurement and improve the diagnosis? “Space is the primary organizing principle of the mind” and spatial cognition research demonstrates that everything going on in the mind is manifested somewhere in the sphere around the person. This makes the locations where cognition and emotions are experienced during psychotherapy prime targets for research.
These neuroscientific findings imply that all mental issues must operate in the space around the person too. The research question is: Does this spatial quality of all forms of thought help and validate the use of SUDs in psychopathological diagnosis? Or stated differently: Is there a “spatial alternative” to symptom based (DSM) diagnosis on the horizon?
This poster outlines the experimental setup and initial challenges faced by the Action Learning Set engaged in a mixed method action research project. A paper and an on-line tool were designed and used to monitor the shifts in spatial location in the clients’ mental space because of psychotherapy interventions. In a pre-post design, the covariation of spatial shifts and subjective units of discomfort are registered for analysis.
We invite collaboration from researchers interested in examining spatial cognition as a clinically relevant dimension in psychological assessment and intervention.
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The Silent Dialogue: How Physiological and Motor Synchrony Relate to Therapeutic Alliance
Paula Gonçalves, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal; Eugénia Ribeiro, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal; and Joana Coutinho, university of Minho
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Psychotherapy has shown to be effective in the treatment of emotional disorders, with the therapeutic alliance (TA) being a key factor for therapy success. Physiological and motion synchrony have been studied as potential markers of TA due to their relationship with empathy and interpersonal emotional regulation, which are critical for TA. The emergent research field of synchrony provided evidence for this association despite some inconsistent results. In this project, we want to clarify these inconsistencies using a multimodal approach, calculating physiological and motor synchrony. Furthermore, we will complement the analysis between synchrony and global outcome measures with a micro-level analysis, using the significant events paradigm. In study I we aim to understand how multimodal synchrony relates to TA and clinical outcomes. In study II, we will analyze how multimodal synchrony can be associated with events that the client and therapist perceive as contributing to the process of change.
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Therapeutic Spaciousness as Boundary Elasticity: The Empty-as-Vessel Framework Toward a Practice-Based Process Model of Experiential Regulation
Baixuan Shen, university of derby
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Psychotherapy research increasingly recognises the importance of openness, acceptance, and emotional flexibility in facilitating therapeutic change. Approaches such as experiential, mindfulness-based, and compassion-focused therapies describe states of receptive awareness in which clients become less reactive and more able to hold complex emotional experiences. However, these phenomena are often described phenomenologically, with limited theoretical articulation of the structural processes through which therapeutic spaciousness emerges. Moreover, the concept of “boundaries” in psychotherapy literature has predominantly been discussed in ethical or professional terms, rather than as a regulatory structure within experiential processes.
This paper introduces the Empty-as-Vessel (EaV) framework as a conceptual model for understanding therapeutic spaciousness in psychotherapy. Inspired by East Asian contemplative traditions in which “emptiness” refers to functional openness rather than absence, EaV conceptualises spaciousness as boundary elasticity—the flexible modulation of differentiation and permeability across experiential domains including the self, the body, relational experience, and compassion.
Drawing on practice-based clinical observations from ongoing psychotherapy cases, moments of affective stabilisation were often associated with pauses, slowing of speech, and an increased capacity to hold multiple perspectives simultaneously. Within the EaV framework, these shifts are understood as emerging from the dynamic coordination of observing, receiving, and participating processes, rather than from receptive awareness or cognitive change alone.
EaV offers a preliminary integrative language for describing how therapeutic spaciousness may arise in psychotherapy and invites further qualitative and process-oriented research into the role of boundary elasticity in therapeutic change.
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Understanding Disabled People’s Perceptions and Experiences of Counselling and Psychotherapy: A Scoping Review Protocol
Jennifer O'Donnell, BACP; Anna Kennedy, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy; and Shanil Rathod, BACP
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Disabled people encounter greater mental health challenges than non-disabled people. Despite this, little is known about disabled people's perceptions and experiences of counselling and psychotherapy, and the barriers and facilitators to access therapy. Hence, this scoping review aims to identify and synthesise existing evidence to inform practice, research and policy to allow for more inclusive psychological therapy and reduce barriers for disabled clients seeking therapy.
This scoping review follows the methods outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) manual scoping review framework (Peters et al., 2020) and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines (Tricco et al., 2018). The databases searched include PsychINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, EBSCO and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies were limited to those published from 2010 to 2025. Titles and abstracts have been screened according to inclusion/exclusion criteria, and full texts will be sought for relevant articles. Data will be extracted from included papers, and a narrative synthesis will address the research questions. This review is being co-produced with a Lived Experience Advisory Panel, the research team consists of disabled and able-bodied researchers and disability organisations will be consulted when developing recommendations for practice.
Results will provide insight into how disabled people perceive and experience receiving counselling and psychotherapy, and highlight the barriers, challenges and accessibility issues for this population. Recommendations will focus on how practitioners can adapt their practice to better meet the needs of disabled people and future directions for research.