Amanda is a BACP registered Counsellor & Psychotherapist in private practice. She currently works in Leeds and online throughout the UK. Her specialist area is sexual violence and post traumatic growth in women. Amanda's MA research ‘Exploring self-disclosure between the survivor-therapist and survivor-clients: An autoethnography of the value of ‘sisterhood’ between female survivors of sexual violence’, was recently published in the BACP’s Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy Research.

Course: MA Psychotherapy

Tell us about what drew you to study at Leeds Beckett? 

I had reached a point in my life where I needed a change of course. I had spent many years in a less then fulfilling job and it was the right time to create something more meaningful. I had experienced my own personal therapy which I found life-altering, and I began to realise this might be a path where I can utilise the skills that come most naturally to me. It was the words of my therapist at the time suggesting I ‘might make a good therapist’, which led me to the courses I studied at Leeds Beckett. I began with the Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, followed by the MA Psychotherapy to complete my qualifications and immerse myself in research for the first time. I chose Leeds Beckett because of its reputation in my field and after attending a two-day course to see if it felt like the right place for me. I can categorically say that it has been one of the best decisions I have made.

How has your experience studying at Leeds Beckett influenced you and your career?

Studying at Leeds Beckett has provided me with the knowledge and experience to establish a solid foundation in my therapeutic practice. Making the decision to complete the extra year engaged in research has enhanced my knowledge significantly and I would certainly recommend it to my colleagues and peers. I have noticed my critical thinking skills have improved, and on a more personal level my confidence has increased on both a professional and a personal level; friends and family have commented on the difference! My experience at Leeds Beckett has provided me with everything one might need to build an established career in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Tell us a bit about your research work and why you are passionate about the subject?

My research is an autoethnography exploring the concept of ‘sisterhood’ and the potential impact of therapist self-disclosure where both the therapist and client are survivors of sexual violence. As a research insider to this topic, I took a reflexive approach, analysing reflective journals spanning my experience of transitioning from client, through therapeutic training and finally as a qualified practitioner. Throughout the research, I worked with a therapist who had publicly self-disclosed their lived experience, with the aim to understand the impact of knowing one’s therapist has been through a similar life-altering experience. The study is then placed within a wider context of social activism and reflects on the stigma experienced by many survivors of sexual violence which can contribute to a well-documented culture of silence and shame.

What makes me so passionate about this is that I believe no survivor of sexual violence should have to feel ashamed of what happened to them. The less shame; the easier to access support; the more support; the more effective the healing process. My sentiment in a nutshell; if as therapists we are brave enough to speak up about our own lived experiences of sexual violence – might we then be able to contribute to a more open dialogue which empowers survivors in their own post traumatic growth. 

How does it feel to have your research work accepted for publication?

Pretty surreal. When I embarked on the MA my only hope was to try and pass the course, in honesty I was experiencing major imposter syndrome and wasn’t sure if I would be capable. I think I just wanted to prove to myself that I could! To pass and have my research accepted for publication in a respected journal is beyond what I hoped for when I started.

What's next for you?

Currently all my focus is with my private practice and the clients I am working with there. I find therapeutic work most fulfilling, each day I learn something new from those I work with. I also spend quite a bit of time engaged in CPD to home in on areas of interest and enrich my theoretical knowledge. Within the next few years, I would like to embark on another research project, perhaps a PhD is next on the horizon should I be fortunate enough!

More information

Research: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/capr.12573 

ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8676-106X 

Website: https://www.elevatetherapyleeds.co.uk 

Twitter: @ElevateTherapy_

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-bainbridge