Appendices

• Appendix 1 - Information about the study
• Appendix 2 - Consent form
• Appendix 3 - University of Central England Research Ethics Committee approval letter
• Appendix 4 - Interview questions
• Appendix 5 - Letter to participants explaining the process of correspondence prior to being interviewed

Appendix 1

Information about the study

I am currently studying for a Masters of Science Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Central England in Birmingham.

The final part of this course involves undertaking a research project within the field of Counselling and Psychotherapy. As a Counselling and Psychotherapy practitioner, I am seeking to understand the experiences of Counsellors and Psychotherapists using the Psychosynthesis approach in their practice.

The research statement I have posed for this project is:

“An exploration of the perception of practitioners of the strengths and limitations of psychosynthesis psychotherapy in application.”

I would like you to participate in this project, which has received ethical approval. This will involve me telephoning you to discuss your experience of the use of psychosynthesis in your practice. This conversation will be for approximately an hour at a mutually agreed time.

To ensure accurate information is recorded and available for analysis, your permission to tape the interview will be requested. The information will only be accessed by me and my Research Supervisor, who will not be given any names or personal details. The anonymity of all participants will be preserved and the tapes will be erased on completion of the course. You will be able to choose to stop taking part at any time.

I would greatly appreciate it if you would read and sign the enclosed consent form and return it by return of post in the pre-paid envelope.

Thank you.

Zen Kyle

Appendix 2

Consent form

I have read the information sheet from Zen Kyle and I am giving my consent to take part in his research project which is, “An exploration of the perception of practitioners of the strengths and limitations of psychosynthesis psychotherapy in application.”

I have been informed that the involvement in the interview is entirely voluntary and that I can withdraw from the study at any time. I can refuse to answer any specific questions, and can terminate the interview at any point.

I have been informed that my answers to questions will not be shared with anyone other than Zen Kyle and his Research Supervisor, and that the research report will not identify me in any way.

I agree to be interviewed by means of telephone contact, to this interview being tape recorded to ensure accurate information is obtained, and have been informed that my anonymity will be preserved, and that once the course has been completed by Zen Kyle, the tape will be erased.

This study is aimed at gaining a greater understanding of the strengths and limitations of psychosynthesis in counselling and psychotherapy practice. I am aware that this study is likely to contribute to trainee counsellors’, practitioners’, and clients’ knowledge about psychosynthesis.

I understand that I will have access to the research document produced once all contributions has been incorporated and synthesised.

I hereby give my consent to the interview and to this being tape recorded.

Signature _______________________

Date ____________________

Please sign and return to Zen Kyle in the pre-paid envelope. Thank you.

Appendix 3

University of Central England Research Ethics Committee approval letter

Appendix 4

Interview questions

A selection of the following questions will be used:

1. Can I ask what made you want to use psychosynthesis as a psychotherapist?

2. Would you mind telling me how you describe your practice to prospective clients?

3a. I would like you to tell me about your experience of psychotherapy work with clients.
3b. What is it that makes your practice psychosynthesis psychotherapy?

4. Continuing with your experience of practice with clients using this approach, what have you found that you like about psychosynthesis?

5. What from your practice experience, is the downside of psychosynthesis?

6. Why do you continue to choose to use it?

Appendix 5

Letter to participants explaining the process of correspondence prior to being interviewed

Dear

Following our recent contact, I am writing with further information about the research you have kindly agreed to participate in.

The first of the enclosures outlines the purpose of the study and what you will be asked to do.

I have included a copy of the range of questions that could be used in the interview. A selection of these will prompt our discussion.

A consent form is also enclosed and if you are happy to proceed, please sign and return it to me in the pre-paid envelope. If you have any concerns please give me a ring and I will be happy to clarify matters for you.

Once your consent form is returned, I shall phone you to confirm details of dates and times for the interview.

Thank you for agreeing to be involved and I look forward to speaking with you in due course.

Yours sincerely,

Zen Kyle
Counsellor