More than just a measure: Exploring clients' experiences of using a standardised self-report questionnaire to evaluate counselling outcomes.

Abstract

The past few decades have seen an increasing need for counsellors to evidence their practice using client self-report outcome questionnaires. However, little research has been undertaken on the experience of clients completing such questionnaires. This qualitative study investigated participants' experiences of completing a standardised outcome measure before and after therapy. Seventeen clients attending a community counselling service in Scotland, United Kingdom, were interviewed about their experiences of completing the measure, and the usefulness of the measure for discerning change from before to after therapy. Thematic analysis was undertaken to identify helpful and unhelpful aspects. Participant experiences were categorised into two beneficial themes ("A 'ruler' to measure against" and "A 'checklist' of common problems") and three hindering or problematic themes ("Restrictive," "Debilitating," and "Misaligned"). Implications for practice are discussed, including the possibility of utilising outcome measures as a valuable adjunct to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)