Person-centred experiential therapy (PCET) training within a UK NHS IAPT service: experiences of selected counsellors in the PRaCTICED trial

We investigated the experiences of 10 counsellors undergoing training in a form of person-centred experiential therapy (PCET), known in the UK as Counselling for Depression (CfD). Training was delivered at a service level as part of the PRaCTICED trial. Counsellors who took part in the study either completed (N=5), failed to complete (N=3) or were ongoing (N = 2) in their PCET training. Framework analysis was selected to extract rich data and an in-depth account of counsellors’ experiences. Inconsistencies were reported between counsellors’ previous theoretical backgrounds and PCET. Difficulties were also reported in resolving person-centred and emotion-focused elements of PCET. Key facilitators and barriers to completing PCET training were identified, including counsellors’ intrapersonal factors.