How research can change the researcher: The need for sensitivity, flexibility and ethical boundaries in conducting qualitative research in counselling/psychotherapy

The aim of this paper is not to present the results of a qualitative study, but to share the experiences of a researcher engaged in this kind of research. The process of conducting the investigation in question raised a number of issues: the researcher's sensitivity and flexibility, ethical dilemmas, and the importance of a good 'research alliance' with participants. The implications of including participants as collaborators and co-researchers are discussed. Analysis of these issues highlights the impact of qualitative inquiry on the researcher and the nature of both the professional and personal learning generated by this form of inquiry.