Clients‟ experience of counselling within a narrative framework

Participant‟s name……………………………….. 
I understand that I will be taking part in a research study investigating aspects of the 
counselling/therapeutic relationship.
I will be known as a participant in this research study. 
I understand that I will keep a journal of my thoughts and feelings after weekly counselling 
session. The journal is to be kept for fifteen weeks to cover fifteen counselling sessions.
There will be an individual/group meetings with the researcher after the completion of the 
journal. I understand that the main theme of the study will be disclosed to me at this time. 
I understand that I am able to withdraw from the research at any time. 
I understand that the researcher agrees to respect the confidentiality of the journal when 
analysing and transcribing it. In the final documentation my anonymity will be guaranteed. 
The data in the journal may be shared with an academic supervisor but a pseudonym will be 
used to protect my identity and maintain anonymity. 
I understand that the above intentions and information may be reviewed at any time during the 
course of the research and that some changes may occur.
Participant signature………………………………............................................................... 
Researcher signature……………………………….............................................................. 
Date………………………………................................ 

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298 
APPENDIX 5 The researcher and participant contract/consent - main study 
Participant‟s name……………………………….. 
I understand that I will be taking part in a research study investigating the concepts of 
containment and freedom as experienced by the client in a counselling relationship..
I will be known as a participant in this research study. 
I understand that I will keep a journal of my thoughts and feelings after weekly counselling 
sessions for up to 40 weeks or until I feel ready to finish. 
There will be individual meetings with the researcher after the completion of the journal where I 
will have the opportunity to read the analysis of my journal, read any relevant papers and give 
feedback on the researcher„s work.
I understand that I am able to withdraw from the research at any time. 
I understand that the researcher agrees to respect the confidentiality of the journal when 
analysing and transcribing it. In the final documentation my anonymity will be guaranteed. 
The data in the journal may be shared with an academic supervisor but a pseudonym will be 
used to protect my identity and maintain anonymity. 
I understand that the above intentions and information may be reviewed at any time during the 
course of the research and that some changes may occur.
Participant‟s signature………………………………....................................................... 
Researcher‟s signature………………………………........................................................... 
Date

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299 
APPENDIX 6 Pilot study; Journal information 
INFORMATION PRINTED ON THE INSIDE COVER OF EACH JOURNAL 
Journal No ............
Contributing to a preliminary research study exploring aspects of the therapeutic 
relationship.
(for the main study it will read - exploring the concepts of containment and 
freedom in the therapeutic relationship.... )
1. Number each entry
2. Number missed entries - or even write about them!
3. Write clearly and make crossings out clear
4. Leave a large margin on the left of the page
5. Write only on one side of each page and on every other line
6. Enjoy your own words