Person-Centred Experiential Therapy (PCET) Training within a UK NHS IAPT Service: Experiences of Selected Counsellors in the PRaCTICED Trial

We investigated the experiences of 10 counsellors undergoing training in a form of person-centred experiential therapy (PCET), known in the UK as Counselling for Depression (CfD). Training was delivered at a service level as part of the PRaCTICED [Pragmatic randomised controlled trial assessing the non-inferiority of counselling for depression versus cognitive behavioural therapy for patients in primary care meeting a diagnosis of moderate or severe depression trial]. Counsellors who took part in the study either completed (n = 5), failed to complete (n = 3) or were ongoing (n = 2) in their PCET training. Framework analysis was selected to extract rich data and an in-depth account of counsellors' experiences. Inconsistencies were reported between counsellors' previous theoretical backgrounds and PCET. Difficulties were also reported in resolving person-centred and emotion-focused elements of PCET. Key facilitators and barriers to completing PCET training were identified, including counsellors' intrapersonal factors.