An exploration of the interplay between cancer and counselling/psychotherapy grounded in existential phenomenology

Please see recruitment poster here and participant information sheet here.

My name is Dr Charlotte Rustin and I am a qualified humanistic counsellor. This research is part of a Psychotherapy MSc at the University of Brighton and has full ethical approval.

The aim of the study:

My interest in this research stems from my own diagnosis and treatment for Stage 2 breast cancer whilst training to be a counsellor. I felt that how I was experiencing the process of diagnosis, treatment and recovery felt intrinsically linked to, shaped and supported by my learning associated with the existential-phenomenological paradigm. Whilst there is research into the impact of cancer on individuals, research exploring the nature of counsellor鈥檚/psychotherapist鈥檚 experience of cancer is limited.

This study therefore aims to explore how a pre-existing understanding of existential-phenomenological constructs may interact with a counsellor/psychotherapist鈥檚 own experience of cancer.

Who can take part?

I am seeking participants who are:
路 Qualified or trainee counsellor/psychotherapist
路 Grounded in the existential-phenomenological constructs
路 Lived experience of cancer diagnosis and treatment
路 Member of 网爆门, UKCP or equivalent
路 In regular supervision

What is involved?

Participation involves a 1:1 unstructured interview lasting 60-90 minutes, conducted online (via Teams) or in person (at Brighton University or Wilbury Clinic, Hove). Participation is entirely voluntary.

Ethics

All contributions will be pseudonymised and participants are free to share only what they feel comfortable discussing. All data will be handled in line with ethical research guidelines.

Contact details

If you know of other counsellors/psychotherapist who might be interested in participating, please share the poster and participant information sheet (attached above) with them.

For more information or to express interest in participating, please email:
C.rustin1@uni.brighton.ac.uk