n this essay I will explain the rationale involved in the paradigm of research used in Counselling. Followed by evaluating the research methods and applying to counselling studies. I shall then plan to undertake research within BACP ethical boundaries. Finally, I will design a small scale research project, applying appropriate research techniques to an are of inquiry relating to counselling.

Research is being carried out all the time, to seek new evidence. McLeod, 2003, states that it is a systematic process which adds to the existing theories and facts. As a counsellor being in a room with several different clients over a period of time could be seen as research. For example, where I take the information which clients provide to try and understand to find out what may work best to help empower them and then come up with my own theory of working with them. The original theories would already be out there, however my personal experiences being with clients would retain a more distinctive element to see what is effective. I feel I have been fortunate working with clients in the organisation I am currently with. As I have been able to critically review and discuss my personal theories and conclusions which I have encountered in my group supervision. Other peers have then been able to elaborate and share their knowledge, ultimately resulting in helping our clients.
Research is important for counsellors due its very basic nature of mainly being conducted in private settings on a one to one basis, held in confidentiality. Therefore, it helps counsellors to gain a wider perspective and for them to learn new skills and knowledge from other therapists. For example, If I had a client who was not engaging in the sessions after a few weeks, I could find out if other therapists had encountered the same situation and try to use their conclusions/theories into my own work. Another important aspect is accountability, where counselling organisations get help towards funding from government agencies. Masson (1988) cited in McLeod (2005), that their has been several accounts of clients being abused by their therapists. Therefore, the funding would help the research to be carried out into the reasons why this misconduct occurred. For a counsellor being aware of this research as well as adhering to the BACP (2016) ethical framework of non-maleficence, they would be protecting the safety of clients and alleviating personal distress and suffering (BACP, 2016).
Research can lead to developing new ideas and approaches, as well as applications of counselling in new areas. There currently are dozens of approaches, whereas back in the 1930s, psychoanalysis was the