Qualitative Exploration of Female ADHD counsellor’s own experiences in their client work
My name is Macy Kirk, and I am a Level 6 BSc in Counselling student at the University of East London. As part of my dissertation research, I am conducting a qualitative study titled “A Qualitative Exploration of Female ADHD Counsellors’ Own Experiences in Their Client Work.”
I am seeking to recruit female professional counsellors with an educational or psychiatric diagnosis of ADHD- who have been practising for at least two years and are members of an accredited professional body such as the BACP.
The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of female counsellors diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) within their professional roles. The research aims to understand how these counsellors navigate their ADHD traits in the counselling room, balancing their neurodivergence with professional expectations.
This qualitative study uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to examine the unique challenges and strengths associated with being a neurodivergent professional in this field. Participants will be female counsellors with an educational or psychiatric diagnosis of ADHD who have been practising for a minimum of two years post-qualification. They must also be members of an accredited professional body, such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), ensuring that all participants meet high professional and ethical standards.
Recruitment will be conducted through professional networks, counselling organisations, and online groups specifically for counsellors or individuals with ADHD. Eligible participants will be invited to take part in one-to-one, semi-structured interviews conducted online via Microsoft Teams. These interviews, lasting approximately 60 minutes, will provide a safe and flexible space for participants to share their experiences. Data will be anonymised at the transcription stage, and all identifying information will be removed to ensure confidentiality.
The study’s aim is to explore how ADHD traits influence counselling practice, the strategies used to manage professional challenges, and the ways in which neurodivergence contributes to personal and professional identity. By focusing on female counsellors, the research seeks to address a gap in understanding, as women are often underrepresented in ADHD-related studies. It also aims to highlight how gender-specific experiences, such as masking or societal expectations, may impact their work.
Ultimately, this research aspires to contribute to creating a more inclusive counselling profession by promoting the understanding of ADHD in therapeutic roles. The findings will inform strategies to support neurodivergent counsellors, advocate for workplace adjustments, and reduce barriers to authenticity and self-expression within professional environments.
Please see flyer here.
Please see participant information sheet here.
Please see consent form here.
If you have any questions or need further details about the study, please do not hesitate to contact me at macykirk93@gmail.com or my supervisor, Dr. Luis Jimenez, at l.jimenez@uel.ac.uk.
Kind regards,
Macy Kirk