The lived experience of waiting for counselling
Date
1999
Authors
Gray, Linda Lee
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Abstract
A phenomenological research method is used to explore the lived experience of four co-researchers for themes and insights into the process of waiting for counselling service. The method employed revealed value to the inclusion of the expressive arts in the data gathering process.
The structure of phenomenon of waiting for counselling service is a process in three parts: initiating change, the intake interview and no man's land. The quality of the experience is affected by subjective variables including the characteristics of the participant and her problem, and the larger context of her life. The factors co-researchers used to decide whether they would have preferred less wait or increased number of counselling sessions were mutually exclusive. Implications for counselling are considered and suggestions for further research are made.