The experiences of counselling for persons with ME

Ward, Tony; Hogan, Kevin; Stuart, Viki; Singleton, Elizabeth

Abstract

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy A number of studies have evaluated counselling interventions for people with myalgic encephalitis, but few report client perceptions in any detail. This study seeks to explore client perceptions using a qualitative methodology. A sample of 25 individuals with myalgic encephalitis were interviewed about their experiences in counselling. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis using grounded theory principles. The analysis showed that people with myalgic encephalitis endure significant changes to their lives, often involving great loss and trauma. After seeking help through counselling, participants had experienced a wide variety of approaches and there were positive and negative perceptions of each. Other perceptions related to therapist characteristics and the way in which interventions were carried out. Recommendations for practitioners are given.

Citation

Ward, T., Hogan, K., Stuart, V., & Singleton, E. (2008). The experiences of counselling for persons with ME. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 8(2), 73-79. https://doi.org/10.1080/14733140801972760

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2008
• Journal: Counselling and Psychotherapy Research
• Print ISSN: 1473-3145
• Electronic ISSN: 1746-1405
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 73-79
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14733140801972760
• Keywords: myalgic encephalitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, counselling, user perceptions
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1012365
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14733140801972760
• Additional Information: Additional Information : This is an electronic version of an article published in Ward, Tony and Hogan, Kevin and Stuart, Viki and Singleton, Elizabeth (2008) The experiences of counselling for persons with ME. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 8 (2). pp. 73-79. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research is available online at: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all?content=10.1080/14733140801972760.