How do person-centred psychotherapists experience their menstrual cycle in relation to their client work?鈥�
Lead Researcher: Beth Phelps, Psychotherapeutic Counsellor M网爆门, MSc candidate in Contemporary Person-centred Psychotherapy, The Metanoia Institute
Ethical approval: Granted by Metanoia Institute Research Ethics Committee
Contact: research@bethphelps.co.uk / 07985 638087
Research question:
How do person-centred psychotherapists experience their menstrual cycle in relation to their client work?鈥�
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Aim of the study
This study explores how psychotherapists experience their menstrual cycle in relation to client work, employing a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. While existing research considers the client's menstrual cycle within psychotherapy, no studies have examined the therapist鈥檚. Findings may encourage greater awareness of how therapists' menstrual experiences shape therapeutic work, and have implications for clinical practice and training. Given the absence of literature, this study seeks to establish a foundation for future doctoral research.
Who can take part
This study will recruit three UK based participants of any gender, aged 21 and above, who;
聽 聽 聽 聽- are qualified in person-centred psychotherapy/counselling.
聽 聽 聽 聽- are currently* practicing with clients.
聽 聽 聽 聽- are experiencing a 'natural' menstrual cycle (e.g. not using hormonal contraceptives or undergoing hormone therapy)**.
聽 聽 聽 聽- are not pregnant and have no diagnosed reproductive health condition affecting menstruation (e.g. endometriosis, PCOS)**.
聽 聽 聽 聽- have an existing awareness of their menstrual cycle (e.g. tracking, menstrual awareness practice).
聽 聽 聽 聽- can access personal therapy if needed to support wellbeing during/after participation.
鈥嬧��*Participants will be invited to observe their menstrual cycle in relation to client work for one month prior to interview. To support this, participants must currently be experiencing a natural menstrual cycle. Those with past experience of a natural cycle may also be considered.
**While menstrual diversity is recognised, this MSc study requires a homogenous sample to ensure feasibility and depth. Broader experiences may be examined in future research studies.
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What鈥檚 involved
聽 聽 聽 聽- Observation period: observe your cycle for 1 month in relation to client work
聽 聽 聽 聽- Interview: one 60-minute video interview
聽 聽 聽 聽- Optional debrief: 20-minute follow-up within 2 weeks post-interview
Ethics & confidentiality
聽 聽 聽 聽- Approved by the Metanoia Research Ethics Committee
聽 聽 聽 聽- Conducted in line with UKCP and 网爆门 ethical guidelines for research
聽 聽 聽 聽- Data anonymised and stored securely in accordance with GDPR and the Data Protection Regulations for Social Research (2020)鈥嬧赌嬧赌�
Interested in this important study?
Further information can be found in the participant information letter linked here.
To register your interest in becoming a participant please complete the participant interest form at or contact research@bethphelps.co.uk.
Selected participants will be invited to a short screening call to confirm suitability. All enquiries will receive a response, regardless of outcome.