Applied Research Methods in Psychotherapy Practice

Overview

Today, it is increasingly important that psychotherapists engage with research. This might be in terms of understanding and learning from emerging research in the field, or in terms of practitioners taking their own burning questions as the subject of research.

This is important for the quality and integrity of individual practice but also because evidence of effectiveness is increasingly demanded by clients and by those who fund therapy.

To address this, the Danish Association for Psychotherapists has launched a series of research modules with the explicit aim of enhancing the research culture within the Danish Association og Psychotherapists community of Psychotherapy practitioners and beyond.

The research modules are also an important step towards gaining wider recognition of psychotherapy in Denmark and ensuring that successful graduates have the knowledge, skills and competences expected at level 7 in the European Qualifications Framework. The research modules are also an important requirement for trainings who are preparing to apply for level assessment from the Danish Accreditation Institute.

Delivery

The research modules are designed to fit in to existing psychotherapy trainings or can be taken as a stand-alone course by individual practitioners. In the former case, the aim is that the modules support and inform the research that students carry out as part of their final year project.

Delivery is entirely online and can be in Danish or English. Each module consists of five two-hour taught sessions with one to two hours of preparation between the sessions. The total guided learning time for the modules is 50 hours. Frequency and scheduling of the sessions is decided in discussion with participating trainings.

Video introduction

Hear the module leaders talk about the research modules

The modules

Introduction to Research Principles and Perspectives

The aim of this module is to introduce students to theoretical perspectives in philosophy of science and relate these to the notion of practitioner-lead research in psychotherapy. The module presents different perspectives on research and some of the philosophical and epistemological assumptions behind these perspectives. Students also consider some of the challenges associated with doing research, such as issues of evidence, reliability, validity, etc. The aim of this module is to enable students to understand the basic process of research and how theory informs research.

Indicative content:

The role of theory and the importance of philosophical frameworks in research
The strengths and weaknesses of different research paradigms, including qualitative and quantitative
Basic methodological concepts in research, such as validity, reliability, transparency and testability
Challenges and benefits of doing research in the context of psychotherapeutic practice, including ethical considerations.

Action Research and Research Methods in Practice

The aim of this module is to give students a basic understanding of the broad framework of action research within the context of psychotherapy. Students are introduced to the historical tradition of action research and its basic methodological approach. They explore the possibility of doing research as an ongoing evolving process, both in the context of collaborative research with others and as a solo activity. They also explore action research in the context of psychotherapy, including ethical considerations.

Indicative content:

Overview of the historical development of action research
Critical examination of different methodological approaches in action research
Introduction to methods in action research, such as test actions, interviews, focus group interviews, document analysis
Challenges and opportunities of using action researchers in the context of psychotherapy, including ethical considerations

Phenomenology and First-Person Methods

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the theory and practice of phenomenological and first-person research methods in the context of psychotherapy. Students explore phenomenology as a perspective and where it sits within the scientific tradition. They also explore specific core concepts such as intentionality, the natural attitude and bracketing. Students also learn about phenomenology as an applied practice and they explore examples of phenomenological research in psychotherapy.

Indicative content:

Overview of phenomenology as a historical movement and as a philosophical stance
Exploration of core concepts such as intentionality and bracketing
Introduction to phenomenological research methods drawing on case studies involving psychotherapy
Challenges and strengths of phenomenology in the context of psychotherapy research, including ethical considerations

Introduction to Mixed Methods and Quantitative Research

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the field of mixed methods research in psychotherapy. Students learn about the mixed methods perspective in social science research more broadly and some of the key debates and issues in the field that shape research practice, including ethics.

Indicative content:

Introduction to the quantitative research paradigm and procedures to ensure validity and reliability
Introduction to the mixed methods approach in research
Different approaches to integrating qualitative and quantitative research in the context of psychotherapy
Challenges and benefits of taking a mixed methods approach, including ethical considerations

Researching Own Practice

The aim of this module is to give students the knowledge and skills to integrate research into their own practice as psychotherapists and lifelong learners. At the centre of the module is a practice-oriented engagement with what has been learned in the previous modules. Using case studies, mentoring in small groups and their own experience, students explore how to take a research-based approach to their own practice. This is explored primarily through the context of designing and executing their final year project.

Indicative content:

Case studies of researching own practice
Peer feedback and discussion in mentoring groups
Support with designing the rationale and strategy for the final year project
Understanding the challenges and benefits of researching own practice, including ethical considerations

Additional information

The learning platform

The modules are taught online using a Moodle learning platform. The platform is the portal for all readings and other resources that accompany the sessions. All sessions are recorded so students can catch up if they miss a session. Students must have a suitable device (such as a laptop or iPad) in order to participate.

Assessment and Certification

When integrated into existing psychotherapy trainings, the modules are assessed as part of the final project submitted in the last year of training. Members of the Research Modules Faculty can be engaged by trainings to evaluate final year projects on a case-by-case basis, or as required by accrediting bodies. Participants receive a certificate of attendance from DPFO (a minimum of 80% attendance in required).