Counsellor鈥檚 Experiences of Working with Clients Who Use Augmented Alternative Communication (AAC) In Education

Study Overview
This study aims to explore the individual experiences and skills of therapists working with children and young people using AAC. There is a lack of research within the subject of children and young people who have a disability, especially in the area of communication and counselling. Individuals who use AAC report experiencing great difficulties in finding accessible and available counselling services within the community. This valuable piece of research may enhance professional understanding of some of the strengths and challenges of work, which may aid counsellors when considering those who use AAC as a client group. It also aims to increase visibility of some of the obstacles faced by our disabled community when their primary communication is non-verbal, whilst accessing counselling services.

Criteria
I am seeking counsellors who meet the following criteria:

Professional Experience: Counsellors with a minimum of three years of post-qualification experience.

Relevant Experience: Those who currently support clients under 18 years olds, who use AAC.

Focus: Counsellors working in schools and colleges within the UK.

Interview Details
Participation is entirely voluntary. Each participant will take part in a 60-minute semi-structured online interview conducted via Microsoft Teams, covering:

  • Perspectives on working with this client group
  • Exploration of important aspects that may influence the therapy process
  • Capturing factors that may influence therapy access for these clients
  • Encapsulating elements that support counsellors in their work with this area

All interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed for detailed analysis and counsellor鈥檚 personal accounts will be pseudonymised to protect anonymity.

Researcher and Supervisory Details

  • Researcher: Vanessa Edworthy, MSc in Counselling Children and Young People at Northampton University. Email: vanessa.edworthy23@my.northampton.ac.uk
  • Supervisor: Rick Murphy, Course Tutor and Research Supervisor

If you are interested in taking part or for more information, feel free to contact me on the details above.

Thanks for your consideration,
Vanessa Edworthy