From Idea to Publication

From Idea to Publication

Demystifying the Writing & Publication Process

Online | Thursday 5th November 2026 | 12:00-13:15 UK Time

Join Dr Clare Symons and Dr Aaliyah Shaikh for an interactive online workshop exploring different forms of writing for publication and making the journey from idea to submission feel more accessible, practical, and manageable.

Whether you are considering publishing for the first time, developing your research for a wider audience, or looking to build confidence in your writing, this session will offer practical guidance, reflection, and discussion.

What we will explore

During the workshop, we will consider:

• Why write for publication and disseminate your research, including the benefits for you, other practitioners, and the wider profession
• The differences between writing for academic assignments and writing for publication
• How to identify an appropriate publication to approach
• Ways to maximise your chances of getting published
• Practical hints and tips for overcoming writing blocks

There will be opportunities for small-group discussion and personal reflection throughout, creating space to think about your own writing goals, ideas, and next steps.

Session Leads

Dr Clare Symons — Facilitator
Head of Research at BACP | Editor | Psychotherapist | Supervisor | Trainer

Dr Clare Symons is Head of Research with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), having formerly worked as a trainer of counsellors and psychotherapists at the University of Leicester, as Editor of Counselling and Psychotherapy Research journal and as a counsellor in a variety of settings including higher education and the voluntary sector. Clare’s research interests include raising and supporting professional standards and facilitating counsellors’ use of routine outcomes measures in practice.

Dr Aaliyah Shaikh — Host
MBACP | Research & Design Consultant | Trauma-informed Educator | Editor and Author 

Dr Aaliyah Shaikh is editor of the forthcoming Routledge book Muslim Women Shaping Psychological Knowledge and Practice and founder of the RAHMAH Approach to Psychology – Trauma-informed Systems Thinking. She trained in psychotherapeutic counselling before moving into research, design, consultancy and education, and is an honorary research fellow at both the University of Liverpool and City St George’s, University of London. Aaliyah has provided academic guidance and mentoring to PhD students and has been invited to peer review papers for academic publications.

At the heart of her work is the question of how we can collectively create safer, more responsive systems and spaces, and move towards greater relational and health justice. Her interests include women’s health, chronic illness, disability, autism in adult women, trauma, cultural attunement and health inequalities.

Booking Information

Date: Thursday 5th November 2026
Time: 12:00-13:15 UK Time
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration deadline: Friday 23rd October 2026

A nominal £10 commitment fee is requested to confirm your place and helps us honour the time and preparation involved in delivering the workshop.

If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the event will be cancelled and all fees will be refunded. After the registration deadline, fees are non-refundable.

Please note: this event will not be recorded.

The Zoom link will be emailed to everyone who books a place the day before the event.