Practical implications of research into the client's experience of counselling

Although a substantial amount of research into the process and outcomes of counselling and psychotherapy has been conducted, relatively little attention has been paid to exploring the experience of the client or user of therapy. Examples of studies that have invited clients to provide accounts of their experiences in counselling are described. The advantages and limitations of different methods of inquiry in relation to this topic are briefly examined, and an outline is provided of a collaborative study being conducted in Scotland around this set of issues. Finally, the implications for counselling/psychotherapy practice of the findings of research into client experience are discussed.