HETEROSEXUAL COUNSELLORS' AND PSYCHOTHERAPISTS' EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH GAY MALE CLIENTS

Thank you for your interest in this qualitative research study, which seeks to explore heterosexual therapists' experience of working with gay male clients. I am interested in what happened emotionally, physically or intellectually for you when you initially became aware of the client's sexual orientation. What were the moments when the client's sexual orientation was in the foreground, and the moments when it was in the background? If, after reading the information here, you would like to find out more or would like to participate then please get in touch. You can call me on 07990-520-805 or use the contact form to send me an email.

This research is being conducted for an MSc Counselling award at the University of Strathclyde. I am looking for participants willing to be interviewed about their experience of working therapeutically with gay male clients. To take part in the study you must:

• be between 16 and 65 years of age
• identify as heterosexual
• be currently practising as a counsellor/psychotherapist
• have successfully completed a qualification in counselling/psychotherapy at Diploma level or higher
• have worked with at least one self-identified gay male client.

You will not be able to participate if you are: an NHS employee, or a current or former client, counsellor, supervisor, supervisee, trainer or trainee of the researcher (Craig Hutchison).

You will be asked to take part in a semi-structured interview lasting up to one hour, which can either be conducted by phone or in a comfortable room convenient for your access. I cannot pay you for your participation but reasonable travel expenses can be paid if agreed in advance. The interview will be recorded but you will be able to switch off the recorder if you need to speak 'off the record'. All records will be kept with due regard for security, data protection and confidentiality, and your interview data will be anonymised so it will not be possible for any third party to link your transcript or interview recording to your contact details.

To participate, send me your name and postal address using the contact form or phone me on 07990-520-805 and leave your name and postal address. I will then send you copies of the participant materials (eg: consent form, contact information etc) with further information for participation. You can also get in touch if you would like more information about the study. If you would be interested in hearing about the findings then you can add your details to my mailing list on the contact form page (at the bottom left). I will use the mailing list to update you about new research, papers and events.

You can view copies of some of the participant materials by clicking on the appropriate icons below. If needed, you can download free software to read the Adobe Acrobat files here. If you have Microsoft Word installed then use the middle column. Use the last column for any other software.

Thanks,  Craig.

DOWNLOADABLE MATERIALS	Adobe Acrobat	Microsoft Word	Rich Text File
1) Information Leaflet
2) Information on Research Procedure
3) Participant Consent Form
4) Participant Contact Details / Data Protection Form
5) Permission to use Transcript Form