Counselling Psychologists’ experiences of work stress

Abstract

This study examines counselling psychologists’ experiences of work stress. Six Chartered Counselling Psychologists in the area of West Midlands were chosen to participate. A qualitative methodology was employed, informed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, using data obtained from individual semi-structured interviews in order to explore the participants’ views about, and experiences of, job strains. Analysis focused upon identifying recurrent themes across transcripts. Four themes emerged from the data as important elements shaping participants’ experiences regarding work, stress and coping: (1) uncertainty at work; (2) relationships with others; (3) ‘being me’; and (4) criticism of professional identity. The interpretation of participants’ verbatim extracts reflected that uncertainty is a core dimension of occupational stress. Moreover, freedom of self-expression in a supportive atmosphere, developed potentially within supervision, the family or with groups of colleagues, was recognised as a salient way of coping with strain. Further investigation of the meaning of uncertainty for Counselling Psychologists is suggested. Limitations of the study and implications for therapeutic practice are also discussed.