References are frequently made to a strained relationship between therapeutic practice and research. This study has developed in response this critique. Our aim has been to explore therapists’ views on the relationship between research and clinical practice within a mixed-methods framework, drawing from a survey (n=92) distributed within and outside of the UK, and coupled with interviews (n=9). Both the survey and the interviews were guided by some of the following questions: What sort of relationship do therapists feel that they have with research? What amount of formal research training do therapists have? To what extent do therapists feel that their own research is valued? To what extent does research inform therapists’ clinical practice? Both the survey and the interviews suggested a sense of ‘homelessness’ for researchers in the field of therapy. Obstacles were referred to within and outside the therapeutic community. Some referred to little training and many felt unsupported among colleagues and employers when pursuing research. One therapist said: ‘The scientists and researchers I work with; they know they have a career in research – you get rewarded and promoted. That kind of recognition doesn’t exist in therapy’. To meet the increased requirements of research-supported practice the study suggests that more systematic efforts are required to support psychotherapists’ engagement in research activities.
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