The response to our invitation to take part in the Orpheus research study has been far greater than we expected.
Over half of the available places have already been allocated, which is wonderful news. It also means there are now only a limited number of opportunities left before recruitment closes and everyone begins the study together.
If you’ve been considering applying but have been waiting to decide, now is probably the right time.
How do I know if I’m suitable for the research?
This is probably the question we’re asked most often.
Some people worry they aren’t anxious enough. Others think they may be too anxious or too depressed to take part. The good news is that you don’t have to make that decision yourself.
Everyone who applies completes a simple screening process. This helps determine whether the study is suitable for you and whether you’ll benefit from taking part.
Please don’t rule yourself in or out before you’ve applied. That’s exactly what the screening process is designed to do.
What if I’m too depressed or too anxious?
People often assume research studies are only looking for those who are either mildly affected or in severe distress. Neither assumption is necessarily true. The screening process exists to make sure everyone who takes part is appropriate for this particular evaluation. If it turns out this study isn’t the right fit for you, we’ll let you know. If it is, you’ll be invited to join the research.
There is absolutely no judgement either way. And if this specific evaluation isn’t a good fit for you, we’ll gift you one month’s access to the app by emailing you a login code (no bank details required).
What if I’m not struggling enough?
Many people minimise what they’re experiencing. You might still be going to work, looking after your family and appearing to cope on the outside while feeling anxious, overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted inside. You don’t need to decide whether your difficulties are serious enough. Apply and let the screening process answer that question for you.
Will anyone know my personal information or questionnaire answers?
Protecting your privacy is extremely important. The information collected during the research is handled confidentially, and the results are analysed anonymously. Researchers are interested in understanding overall patterns and outcomes across all participants, not identifying individual people. Your personal information is protected throughout the process.
Can I withdraw if I change my mind?
Yes. Taking part is entirely voluntary. If you decide the study is no longer right for you, you are free to withdraw at any point. At the end of the 12-week evaluation period, you will be sent an Amazon voucher worth £10 per evaluation form completed, up to a maximum of £40 for the four questionnaires you’ll be prompted to complete during the 12 weeks. The questionnaires take minutes to complete.
Can I still take part if I’m having counselling or therapy?
You can check with your counsellor or therapist, but in many cases the answer is yes. The screening process will consider your individual circumstances and let you know whether you’re eligible. If you’re unsure, it’s still worth applying rather than assuming you won’t qualify.
Why is this research important?
For many years I’ve used the therapeutic process behind the Orpheus app with clients in private practice. For instance, I’ve worked with many clients whose overthinking, chronic rumination, and negative self-talk have dominated their daily life who were finally able to recover from adverse childhood experiences, PTSD and trauma.
I have so many moving stories. For instance, this week one of my clients, the actor and comedian Bryony Twydle, was featured in The Times newspaper sharing her heartbreaking story: “My Fear of being sick was so extreme that I had an abortion.” You can Google her here or find her story on her Instagram account @brybrytwy.
I’m so proud of her and what she has achieved. Here we are two years later after the darkest time in her entire life, and with her permission I can share that I am currently supporting her therapeutically through her long-awaited pregnancy with her and her husband’s first child, due at the end of this year.
I stand wholeheartedly by this therapy modality, and now we want to know how this approach performs when evaluated independently as part of formal research with Edge Hill University. That’s how innovation becomes evidence.
What does taking part involve?
If you’re accepted onto the study, you’ll receive access to the Orpheus audio app and complete four short questionnaires over approximately three months. As a thank you for completing all stages of the research, you’ll receive £40 in Amazon vouchers.
The app is audio-based, so you’ll need somewhere you can listen without distractions. Please remember it should never be used while driving or operating machinery. You can use the app whenever it suits you, as little or as often as you wish.
Why should I apply now?
Because places are disappearing quickly, once recruitment reaches capacity, applications will close so everyone can begin together.
If you’ve been wondering whether this could be right for you, don’t spend weeks trying to decide whether you’re anxious enough, too anxious, too depressed or not depressed enough. Apply. Let the screening process answer those questions.
You could be helping advance important mental wellbeing research while discovering a new way of working with your own emotional wellbeing.
Interested in taking part?
Visit the research page today here to read the eligibility criteria and submit your application before the remaining places are filled.
