Counselling & Psychotherapy Research最新文献

{"title":"‘Trusting the Darkness’: An Exploration of Experiences of Professional Self-Doubt Among Qualified Psychotherapists","authors":"Deirdre Hogan,&nbsp;Aisling McMahon","doi":"10.1002/capr.70094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70094","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Professional self-doubt (PSD) refers to therapists' uncertainty about their ability to effectively help clients, and is considered to be a significant aspect of psychotherapy practice given its complexity and ambiguity. Most previous research on PSD has been quantitative, and this study aimed to explore lived experiences of this phenomenon through in-depth interviews with four qualified psychotherapists.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Interview transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and three group experiential themes were identified: Struggling with self-doubt—it is natural but threatening; The value of self-doubt—growth through discomfort; and Getting to grips with self-doubt over time.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The findings show that while the participants experienced PSD as professionally challenging, personally threatening and uncomfortable, they also considered it valuable to their therapeutic practice; it motivated them to be open and curious with their clients and it was a catalyst for both personal and professional growth. Safe supervision was shown to have an important role in this growth; it was found to be central both to the management of PSD and to learning from it. The findings also suggest that the intensity of PSD tends to lessen over time and that psychological strategies are as important as self-care behaviours in its management.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study findings indicate that safe spaces to reflect on and process experiences of PSD are critical, and key implications for psychotherapist training and supervision are discussed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/capr.70094","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146217383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reimagining Mental Health Support: The Role of AI Chatbots in Bridging Gaps and Raising Ethical Questions","authors":"Pratibha Mahajan,&nbsp;Samarth Kadam,&nbsp;Hussain Kachwala,&nbsp;Nishant Tapikar,&nbsp;Ved Namde,&nbsp;Ebrahim Poonawala","doi":"10.1002/capr.70095","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70095","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The growing prevalence of psychological distress worldwide has drawn attention to the limitations of conventional mental health care systems, particularly in terms of accessibility, affordability and social stigma. Artificial intelligence (AI)–driven chatbots are emerging as digital tools capable of extending mental health support beyond traditional clinical environments.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This review examines existing literature on AI-powered mental health chatbots, focusing on systems that utilise natural language processing and established psychological frameworks such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mindfulness-based approaches.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>AI-driven chatbots facilitate emotional expression, provide round-the-clock availability and enable anonymous interactions, making them especially useful for individuals who are reluctant or unable to seek conventional therapy. Despite these advantages, concerns remain regarding limitations in empathy, data privacy, contextual awareness and clinical accountability.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>AI-powered mental health chatbots hold significant potential to enhance access to mental health support; however, their meaningful and responsible integration into mental health care requires interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical design practices and careful alignment with human-centred care to ensure safe, inclusive and trustworthy mental health ecosystems.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146224277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Use of the Wright-Constantine Structured Cultural Interview (WCSCI) in Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Study of Clients' Experiences","authors":"Aakriti Prasai,&nbsp;Jen Ying-Zhen Ang,&nbsp;A. Jordan Wright","doi":"10.1002/capr.70071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70071","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cultural competence is widely recognised as essential to effective psychological assessment and treatment, yet clinicians often struggle to integrate cultural factors into case conceptualisation consistently. The Wright–Constantine Structured Cultural Interview (WCSCI) was developed to address this gap, with clinicians valuing its structured yet flexible approach to exploring clients' cultural identities and lived experiences within clinical practice. However, little is known about clients' experiences with the WCSCI.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Twelve adult clients from a community mental health clinic were interviewed about their experiences using the WCSCI and its impact on their therapeutic alliance with their provider.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Participants reported that the WCSCI improved their therapeutic alliance; specifically, the WCSCI (a) helped clients to feel understood by clinicians, which promoted alignment of goals (goals); (b) fostered clients' connection and faith in their clinicians (bonds); (c) facilitated insights and reflections for clients (tasks). Clients' appraisal of the utility and purpose of the WCSCI and how relevant they felt culture and identity were to their presenting concerns impacted their reception to the WCSCI.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The WCSCI is a clinical tool that can augment existing assessment and therapy processes by providing nuance and depth about clients' cultural identities. In addition to being a useful clinical tool, it is also a valuable training tool that helps clinicians develop their multicultural competencies and extend their (pre)existing training in school and practice.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146223938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Counsellors Attitudes, Emotions, and Ethical Concerns Regarding Artificial Intelligence: Results From a Professional Survey","authors":"Russell Fulmer,&nbsp;Yusen Zhai,&nbsp;Eric T. Beeson","doi":"10.1002/capr.70086","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70086","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in counselling, from clinical practice to the classroom. To date, little empirical research has examined how counsellors themselves view the role of AI in the profession.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to explore counsellors' attitudes, beliefs and emotional responses to AI in counselling practice, ethics and future applications.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We assessed emotions and attitudes toward AI among professional counsellors (N = 159) through a Qualtrics-based survey.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Counsellors most strongly endorsed positive emotions, such as excitement about AI's potential to address problems, while expressing concerns related to diminished human connection, privacy and bias. Results also revealed counsellors' favourable attitudes toward AI in practice and optimism about its ability to reduce workload and burnout, but scepticism remained regarding AI's relational capacity. Notably, school counsellors and counsellors from racial and ethnic minority groups reported greater optimism about AI.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Findings suggest that counsellors view AI as a promising addition to the profession, despite concerns.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146223937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effectiveness of Online Mental Health Resources for University Students: A Qualitative Study","authors":"Rakshita Singh","doi":"10.1002/capr.70088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70088","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study explored how university students perceive and experience online mental health resources, and the extent to which such resources support their mental well-being and help-seeking behaviours.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A qualitative, exploratory research design was used to gain rich, in-depth insights into students' lived experiences and evaluations of digital mental health support.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ten university students across the UK participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling methods to ensure variation in gender, ethnicity, and subject area. The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis, allowing for a detailed examination of recurring patterns and individual perspectives.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Six overarching themes were identified: (1) Empowerment through Digital Access reflected how online tools offered autonomy, convenience, and a sense of agency; (2) Personal Growth and Skill Development captured the educational value of these resources; (3) Balancing Academic Pressures and Mental Well-being revealed how digital tools helped manage stress amidst academic demands; (4) The Double-Edged Sword of Online Anonymity explored both safety and disconnection in anonymous platforms; (5) Technological Challenges and Adaptations highlighted usability issues and platform fatigue; and (6) The Evolution of Help-Seeking Behaviours addressed how digital tools influenced when and how students reached out for further support.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Online mental health resources offer accessible, non-intimidating avenues for support, especially during early stages of distress. However, their limitations suggest the need for thoughtful integration with in-person services and greater emphasis on emotional depth and interactivity in digital interventions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Classical Adlerian Mentorship: Cultivating Adlerian Practitioners' Professional Identity Through Mentorship","authors":"Xiaoxuan Qu,&nbsp;Derek X. Seward,&nbsp;Caroline L. O'Hara","doi":"10.1002/capr.70089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70089","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The population of classical Adlerian practitioners represents one theoretical branch of Adlerian psychology, but little empirical research has been conducted within this population. The classical Adlerian approach features a 12-stage depth psychotherapy model that targets the dissolving of the style of life and fictional final goal and paves the emergence of the self, other, and task actualisation. Individuals study the classical Adlerian approach through postgraduate professional training in a one-on-one mentorship style in which a trainee is matched with a training analyst.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This qualitative research aimed to explore how classical Adlerian practitioners navigate developing their professional identity in the context of the classical Adlerian mentorship training style. The research question of this study was: What are the lived experiences of developing professional identity through a mentorship-style training among classical Adlerian practitioners?</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We employed purposive sampling and interviewed five classical Adlerian practitioners, each of whom took part in two semi-structured interviews. We adopted interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore these classical Adlerian practitioners' experiences developing professional identity through mentorship-style psychotherapy training.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our analysis revealed four themes. Findings revealed that, first, all contributing participants recognised their mentors' influence on who they were as professionals. Second, the classical Adlerian practitioners who participated in this study reported that their experiences in classical Adlerian mentorship fostered a mentor spirit and a joy in mentoring. Third, the one-on-one mentoring relationship was underscored by participants, each presenting a unique descriptive account. Fourth, participants emphasised the value of a learning process in a mentorship-style training and highlighted the integration of learning and application for learning theory and becoming Adlerian practitioners.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146197025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"‘Difficult Bedfellows’: Relate Supervisors' Experiences of Synthesising the Functions in Their Roles","authors":"Belinda Ford","doi":"10.1002/capr.70087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70087","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The lived experience of clinical supervisors is under researched. To help fill this gap, the researcher completed a doctoral study into the lived experience of Relate supervisors. Relate was, at the time of the research, a UK charity which provides counselling. The article draws on this doctoral research and presents findings around one of the research questions: supervisors' lived experience of role tension.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The research was completed from an insider researcher perspective as the researcher was a Relate supervisor when she undertook it. A mixed method qualitative/quantitative approach was taken and the research was underpinned by a phenomenological methodology. Firstly, a qualitative/quantitative survey was completed by Relate supervisors and analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. Secondly, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with ten RIelate supervisors and analysed via interpretative phenomenological analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Findings from the survey reveal a discrepancy in the expectations of supervisors, supervisees and managers around the supervisor role, which causes supervisors tension. Whilst delivering support comes naturally to supervisors and they believe that supervisees require support, they are uncomfortable delivering the enforcement function. Equally, they recognise that the priority for managers is the management of risk and the enforcement of policy and procedures. Interview findings similarly demonstrate this role tension. Themes include the discomfort of being the ‘policeman’, and tension caused by synthesising functions and being pulled into line management.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Implications</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>By bringing an empirical, phenomenological perspective to the supervisor role, this research expands our understanding. It has the potential to raise awareness and build knowledge, resulting in changes to the way supervision is delivered through supervisor and supervisee training.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transitioning in and out of Autistic Flow: A Qualitative Study Presenting a Non-Pathologising Approach to Autistic Well-Being and Conceptualising Autistic Ways of Being in Clinical and Therapeutic Settings","authors":"Daniella Wain,&nbsp;Gemma Williams,&nbsp;Divine Charura,&nbsp;Lorna G. Hamilton,&nbsp;Damian Milton,&nbsp;Deborah Wortman,&nbsp;Brett Heasman","doi":"10.1002/capr.70073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70073","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Autistic flow is a term that has been used to describe the autistic experience of being deeply immersed in an activity. Autistic flow theory proposes that autistic people may be uniquely positioned to access and manage flow states. However, more research is needed to understand the facilitative conditions that support autistic people transitioning into and out of flow states, particularly given the complex interplay of sensory needs, monotropic focus and environmental factors.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Semi-structured interviews were used alongside Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the qualitative experiences of ten autistic people transitioning in and out of flow.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The analysis highlighted three themes: (1) Flow is enjoyable and essential for autistic well-being, playing a regulatory role in everyday experiences across sensory, emotional and cognitive facets; (2) autistic ways of being (i.e., monotropic attention, sensory sensitivity and repetitive behaviours) can amplify experiences in and out of flow; and (3) predictability is important for feeling safe to enter flow.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We discuss the wealth of expertise autistic people possess about their own flow experiences and how this can be harnessed to build enabling environments for well-being. The findings contribute to a non-pathologising reconceptualisation of autistic ways of being through the approach of autistic flow theory.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/capr.70073","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146196984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Evaluation of the Use of Automated Chatbots Within One Psychological Therapy and Counselling Service","authors":"Gabriella Mutale,&nbsp;Maria Karanika-Murray,&nbsp;Di Bailey,&nbsp;Steven Brown,&nbsp;Dean Repper,&nbsp;Tim Anstiss","doi":"10.1002/capr.70085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70085","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study evaluated the effectiveness of the use of automated chatbots within one NHS Talking Therapies provider. Two chatbots were designed and piloted: (1) to help prepare patients for therapy and (2) to provide solution-based coaching to patients regarding a problem or concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of these chatbots in the NHS Talking Therapies service.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The chatbots were made available to patients (<i>N</i> = 4329) who had been referred for therapy and were waiting for their first assessment. Data from a control group of patients (<i>N</i> = 4333) who did not use a chatbot were also analysed. The evaluation adopted a mixed methods approach to capture data relating to the conversations had by patients with the chatbot, feedback regarding satisfaction with its use, data relating to patient attendance and standardised outcome measures relating to patients' improvements in anxiety and depression.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Qualitative data showed that the chatbots were received positively by patients who gave feedback. Quantitative data showed non-attendance was significantly lower in the control group (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.001), cancellations were significantly lower in the control group (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.001), but days spent in therapy were significantly higher in the chatbot groups (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.001). All groups saw significant improvements in their GAD-7 (<i>p</i> = 0.000) and PHQ-9 (<i>p</i> = 0.000) scores.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In NHS Talking Therapy services, waiting times have been problematic; thus, chatbots can be a useful tool to assist patient engagement while they wait for their appointment. Therefore, they have the potential to reduce anxiety, frustration or disappointment in patients who are unable to wait for too long and may drop out before they start therapy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neurodiversity-Affirming Emotion-Focused Group Therapy: An Exploratory Outcome Study","authors":"Anna Robinson,&nbsp;Robert Elliott","doi":"10.1002/capr.70075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70075","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Autistic adults experience high levels of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Autism has been associated with difficulties in emotional processing, which may reflect co-occurring alexithymia. Although other psychological approaches have been developed, emotion-Focussed Group Therapy might also be a relevant intervention for helping autistic adults develop their emotional processing.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Nine autistic adults were offered a nine-week group neurodiversity-affirming emotion-focussed therapy (neuro-EFGT). An observer measure was used to track change across therapy in emotional processing for affective empathy for self (emotion regulation) and other (empathy), and in cognitive empathy for self (self-reflection) and other (mental representation).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Significant pre-/postoutcome differences were found, for both modality (therapy vs Interpersonal Process Recall; <i>d</i> = 2.20) and time (<i>d</i> = 5.68), with seven of the nine participants showing significant reliable change in emotional processing by the end of therapy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Implications</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This is the first outcome study of neuro-EFGT that offers an initial account of autistic adults' experiences of the intervention. Neuro-EFGT may be a useful alternative therapy for autistic adults who report emotional processing difficulties.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/capr.70075","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}