Experience of being in existential therapy for low mood

Have you been in existential therapy? If so, you have valuable experience that could help broaden and develop research in this area and I would love to hear more.

I would like to invite you to take part in research that is being conducted based on the need for a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the outcome of existential therapy for low mood. Before you decide to participate, I would like you to understand why the research is being done and exactly what it would involve for you. Take time to read the following information and ask questions if anything is not clear or you would like more information before considering whether or not to take part.

What is the purpose of the research?

This study is going to explore your lived experiences of the outcome of being in existential therapy. This will allow for an exploration of the ways in which participating in this type of therapy has influenced your experiences of mood. It will also allow for an exploration of the ways in which your participation in existential therapy has influenced your experience of life and existence.

Do I have to take part?

Taking part in this study is entirely voluntary and you are under no obligation to consent to take part. You can also withdraw your consent at any time up to one week after completing the interview without having to explain your reasons for doing so.

What will happen to me if I take part?

You will be contacted by me to arrange a suitable time for the interview. You will be given a consent form to sign saying that you agree to take part in this study which I will go through with you to make sure you fully understand the aims of the research and your participation in it before signing. You would also agree with me on a way to signal if you wish to pause or stop the interview. We will then begin the audio-recorded semi-structured interview.

I will ask you questions about what brought you to therapy and your experiences before and after being in existential therapy. After the interview, you will be given the opportunity to discuss any feelings that have come up for you during the interview with me.

I will answer any questions you have about the study and I will re-explain the intentions of the study, what will happen to the data and results and restate your right to withdraw. You will then be given a debrief form thanking you for your participation and explaining the reason for the study and giving details of services and organisations which, you can contact if you feel you need to.

If interested or if you have any questions, I would be happy to have a chat with you before you decide. I can be contacted by mobile on 07463888191 or by email at catherine-barnes@hotmail.com.

Thank you for your time and consideration.