Public mental health: Widening the scope of counselling psychology practice and training

Abstract

Background: Public mental health (PMH) – a population-level approach that aims to improve mental health, prevent mental health problems and reduce disparities – is gaining political, economic and psychological interest in the UK. Its emphasis on holistic healthcare and addressing sociopolitical determinants of health suggests a potential alignment between PMH and counselling psychology’s humanistic and social justice values. Yet, PMH appears to be little explored in counselling psychology training and literature. This study therefore aims to address this gap in the literature by exploring counselling psychologists’ perspectives on their role and training in PMH. Methodology: A qualitative constructivist research design was used, using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to analyse data generated from semi-structured interviews with 14 trainee and qualified counselling psychologists with an interest in PMH. Findings: Five key themes were generated: 1) Agents of change: Challenging dominant perspectives and aligning with public mental health agendas, 2) Translators: Bridging people and systems, 3) The burden of responsibility: Finding our voice in public mental health, 4) Beyond the therapy room: Widening the scope of counselling psychology practice, and 5) “The power is in that collective”: Setting ourselves apart or finding allies. Conclusion: This thesis provides an original exploration of counselling psychologists’ relationship with PMH in the UK, adding to previous literature focusing on counselling psychology practice within public services and beyond the therapy room. The findings suggest that counselling psychologists have strengths that may be valuable in key aspects of PMH work, such as interdisciplinary collaboration, co-production and strengthening community. The study highlights the tension between counselling psychologists’ potential value and desire to contribute to and influence PMH, and limitations arising from their perceived position as a marginalised discipline. Future directions for research and suggestions for enhanced training and support to better equip counselling psychologists to thrive in PMH are discussed.

Date of Award	24 Jun 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Ishba Rehman (Co Supervisor) & Laura Winter (Main Supervisor)