Experiences of couples therapy within perinatal mental health services
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experiences of couples therapy within perinatal mental health services in the NHS: a qualitative study exploring parent and practitioner perspectives
IRAS ID
338534
Contact name
Sadhbh Ni Bhriain
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
There has been a focus on the development of perinatal mental health services in the UK in recent years. The NHS Long Term Plan set out goals of expanding access to evidence-based psychological therapy in these services, including couple and family interventions, as well as providing more support to the non-birthing parent (NHS England, 2018). Current NICE guidance regarding psychological interventions in perinatal mental health services that provide care for severe mental illness suggests the use of CBT, IPT or family interventions (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2020). In some services systemic therapy with couples, delivered by a family therapist or clinical psychologist, or systemic practitioner, is being offered. However, research into systemic couples therapy in perinatal mental health services is extremely limited and little is known about the experience of couples who have undergone this intervention or that of practitioners providing it. For this reason, this project aims to explore the individual experiences of birthing parents and their partners, who have accessed systemic couples therapy through a perinatal mental health service, as well as the perspectives of practitioners delivering the therapy.
Semi-structured interviews will be conducted to discuss different aspects of the therapy experience, such as an overall evaluation of the intervention, helpful and unhelpful aspects of the therapy and barriers to engagement. Purposive sampling will be used to recruit to the project, with clinical leads in the included services informing practitioners of the study and sharing information sheets with those interested in participating. Similarly, practitioners will be asked by clinical leads to inform service users of the project and provide information sheets to those interested in taking part. Recruitment will take place in at least two NHS trusts. The study will commence once ethical approval has been obtained and is scheduled to finish in September 2025.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0115
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion