What’s the project?
Researchers from Kingston University and Bath University are working on a project that explores how young people (aged 11–17) experience discussing their digital lives—such as social media, gaming, and online interactions—within therapy or counselling. Using semi-structured interviews, it aims to understand whether and how these topics are addressed in therapy or counselling, identify barriers to discussion, and gather young people’s recommendations for improving therapy and counselling.
This research will inform the development of a ‘Digital Lives Framework’ and a training programme to help counsellors and psychotherapists better support young people in relation to their online experiences.
Find out more
Young people have the opportunity to share their views on how their digital lives are understood and discussed in therapy, helping shape future counselling practice and training.
The team are asking young people to take part in a one-to-one online interview where they reflect on their digital experiences and whether these were discussed during therapy.
The team are recruiting approximately 25 young people aged 11–17 to participate in a semi-structured interview lasting around 50 minutes. This includes one interview per young person.
The interview will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams.
- Be aged 11–17 years
- Be based in the UK
- Have previously completed at least five sessions of counselling or psychotherapy
- No longer be in therapy at the time of participation
- Be able to take part in an online interview (via Microsoft Teams)
- Have access to a stable internet connection and a suitable device (e.g. phone, tablet, or computer)
- Be able to understand and communicate in English sufficiently to take part in the interview
For those under 16: have parental/carer consent and provide assent
- A £30 Amazon voucher as a thank-you for participation (provided after the interview, regardless of completion of all questions)
- A safe and supportive interview environment, with the option to pause, skip questions, or withdraw at any time
- Recommendations for external mental health support organisations if participation raises any concerns or distress.
- A debrief form with further information and researcher contact details
- The option to request a summary of the research findings once the study is complete
If you are interested in this opportunity, please email ([email protected]) with brief answers to the following questions:
- What is your name?
- How old are you?
- Are you based in the UK?
- Have you completed at least 5 sessions of therapy within the past 2 years?
- How did you hear about this opportunity?
Please note: if you are under 16, we will be required to obtain parental or guardian consent before you can take part or proceed further.
You are welcome to send your responses in audio or video format if preferred. If you need any help completing your expression of interest, you can get in touch with Ella
9am on Monday 27th May 2026.
Please note that the McPin Foundation regularly promotes opportunities on behalf of other institutions; we are not responsible for the continuation or contents of further correspondence with any project partners where we are not listed as the project main point of contact.
