Considering methodological integrity in counselling and psychotherapy research

Abstract

Within the field of counselling and psychotherapy research, qualitative methods have been a longstanding tradition of inquiry due to the mutual interest of therapists and researchers in both internal experiences and intersubjective processes. Methodological integrity is a conceptual framework that has been advanced to increase the rigor of these methods. In this paper, we consider the value of this concept for counselling and psychotherapy researchers and reviewers. This framework guides investigators and reviewers to consider how procedures can be adapted to meet the goals of specific studies, given their characteristics and approach to inquiry. In this brief article, we exemplify the relevance and application of this concept to this field by describing the decision‐making process within the designing of a qualitative research project to investigate clients' needs within rape crisis counselling. Through this exemplar, we also provide guidance to counselling and psychotherapy researchers on considerations during the process of research review and reporting.

Recommendations for designing and reviewing qualitative research in psychology: Promoting methodological integrity.

“…The group project was co-constructive in nature in that writing, reviewing, and revising followed an iterative process. Input on the final document was triangulated across the writing team, independent qualitative research experts, and discussions at various conferences (Levitt, 2015b;Levitt, Bamberg, Josselson, & Wertz, 2016;Levitt, Morrow, Wertz, Motulsky, & Ponterotto, 2014;Levitt, Motulsky, Wertz, Josselson, & Ponterotto, 2015) with professional audiences interested in qualitative research and then was submitted for review. As such, the authors of this report believe that its content can speak equally well across methodologies as well as to both seasoned and novice qualitative researchers and reviewers.…”

Promoting Rigorous Research Using Innovative Qualitative Approaches

“…Qualitative methodologies can move beyond reporting behavioral or observational measurement and toward better understanding of clients' experiences, client-created meanings, and factors that influence the complex internal and experiential world that occurs within (and outside of) the therapeutic and educational settings (Levitt et al, 2019). Qualitative methodologies can help clinicians tease apart what is happening inside and outside of counseling sessions by deciphering ambiguous quantitative findings (Miller & Daly, 2013), exploring how clients make meaning of different experiences (e.g., counseling intervention, group process, classroom guidance, psychoeducation), identifying the supports and barriers clients encounter that may have impacted outcomes (Miller & Daly, 2013), unearthing additional outcomes or changes that may have occurred (outside of that which was expected), and contributing to better understanding of societal and clinical structures related to power and oppression (Levitt et al, 2019). When connected to process-and outcome-based research, qualitative methodologies help us recognize aspects of the change process that influenced treatment completion (or early termination), moments in the therapeutic process that were central to change, or parts of the process or relationship that may have led to a specific outcome (Watson & McMullen, 2016).…”

“…Combining process-and outcome-based foci allows researchers to investigate how the events, actions, and experiences within sessions affect client changes throughout counseling (Llewelyn et al, 2016). Understanding how qualitative methodologies can be used in identifying patterns and gaining understanding of clients' experiences in counseling can lead to improvements in clinical practice and therapeutic interventions (Levitt et al, 2019).…”

“…Using qualitative methodologies to understand the clients' point of view is important, particularly given both the potential increase of clients from diverse backgrounds and identities entering into counseling and the continued call for multicultural and social justice competencies within our field (Levitt et al, 2019;Singh et al, 2020;Trepal & Cannon, 2018). Although quantitatively supported evidencebased practices are essential, using a critical lens that allows marginalized populations to share their understanding and experiences is crucial.…”

Introduction to the Special Section ‘Innovative counselling and psychotherapy research methods’: Defining the future of counselling and psychotherapy research

“…Both quantitative and qualitative methods are included. From a qualitative research viewpoint, Lewitt, Morrill, and Collins (2020) introduce the concept of methodological integrity as applicable to qualitative research on counselling and psychotherapy. This concept is becoming established as a standard for qualitative research, particularly in the North American context, so this paper is an opportunity to introduce the concept to UK and international readers.…”