POST-PUBLICATION DISCUSSION POLICY

International Journal of Counseling and Psychotherapy (IJCP) encourages constructive scholarly discussion, critical evaluation, and the exchange of perspectives on articles published in the journal. Post-publication discussion allows readers and researchers to raise questions, identify potential errors, and present alternative interpretations of published research. In accordance with COPE guidance on post-publication discussion, IJCP provides opportunities for scholarly debate and maintains procedures for correcting, revising, or retracting published articles when necessary.

1. Scope of Post-Publication Discussion
To maintain rigorous academic standards, the journal has established a clear boundary regarding the types of scholarly dialogues accepted for publication:

• IJCP welcomes scholarly comments, letters to the editor, critiques, and responses that contribute meaningfully to the discussion of previously published articles. Submissions may address research methods, data interpretation, analytical approaches, conclusions, or other issues relevant to the validity and scholarly contribution of the published work.
• The editorial team will assess whether a critique is relevant, evidence-based, and focused on the scholarly content of the article. Submissions containing personal attacks, unsupported allegations, or potentially defamatory statements may be rejected. This process is informed by COPE guidance on handling post-publication critiques.

2. Submission of Comments and Critiques
Interested readers and researchers wishing to engage in academic discourse must adhere to the established submission protocols:

• Readers and researchers wishing to submit comments or critiques should contact the IJCP editorial office through the official contact information available on the IJCP website. Submissions should identify the article concerned, explain the issues clearly, and provide supporting evidence or relevant references where appropriate.
• All submissions must use professional language and focus on the academic content of the published work. The journal will evaluate each submission and determine whether it merits editorial consideration, revision, or further expert assessment, with reference to COPE guidance on post-publication critiques.

3. Editorial Assessment
Every incoming submission undergoes a thorough evaluation to ensure academic validity, fairness, and transparency:

• The editor-in-chief or a designated editor will assess each submission independently. Depending on the nature and complexity of the issue, IJCP may consult subject experts or request independent peer review before making a decision.
• The assessment will consider the relevance of the critique, the quality of its supporting evidence, its scholarly contribution, and whether the concerns require a response from the original authors or further investigation. The journal may request clarification or revisions before deciding whether to publish a critique.
• IJCP will apply a fair and transparent editorial process when handling critiques and responses, following the principles described in COPE's guidance on post-publication discussion.

4. Right of Reply
In upholding principles of academic fairness, original authors are given an opportunity to address any substantive critiques directed at their work:

• When a critique is considered suitable for publication, IJCP will normally invite the author or authors of the original article to respond to the substantive concerns raised. The response should address the issues directly and provide relevant evidence or scholarly reasoning where appropriate.
• The critique and the authors' response may be published together or separately, depending on editorial considerations and the journal's publication workflow. Both submissions may be subject to editorial assessment or peer review.
• If the original authors do not respond within a reasonable period (typically within 30 to 45 days), IJCP may proceed with consideration of the critique and, where appropriate, indicate that a response was invited but not received. The journal will consider the circumstances fairly and follow relevant COPE guidance on handling post-publication critiques and responses.

5. Corrections, Expressions of Concern, and Retractions
When post-publication investigations reveal valid concerns regarding research integrity or reliability, the journal implements appropriate editorial remedies:

• If post-publication discussion identifies a possible error or raises a serious concern about the reliability or integrity of a published article, IJCP will assess the available evidence and determine whether further action is required. Depending on the circumstances, the journal may publish a correction, an expression of concern, or a retraction.
• A correction may be appropriate when an error can be rectified without invalidating the article's overall findings. An expression of concern may be considered when significant questions remain unresolved and readers need to be informed while the matter is investigated. Retraction may be warranted when the findings are unreliable or other serious circumstances undermine the integrity of the published work.
• These decisions will take account of COPE guidance on retractions, which addresses circumstances in which retraction should be considered and the importance of clearly explaining the reasons for a retraction.
• Where necessary, IJCP may contact the authors' institutions or other appropriate authorities to clarify concerns about research integrity. The journal will base its decisions on the available evidence and document the rationale for significant editorial actions.

6. Publication, Accessibility, and Version Control
To ensure complete transparency and maintain the permanence of the scholarly record, all post-publication notices are systematically managed and linked:

• Accepted critiques, commentaries, and author responses are published open access on the IJCP website, free of charge, in accordance with the journal's editorial policies.
• Where a correction, expression of concern, or retraction is issued, the notice will clearly identify the original article and explain the reason for the action.
• IJCP will maintain permanent links between the original article and any related correction, retraction notice, or watermarked version of record (e.g., clearly displaying a "Corrected" or "Retracted" status) wherever possible, ensuring total transparency in maintaining the scholarly record in compliance with COPE and DOAJ standards.

7. Ethical Responsibilities
All parties involved in post-publication discussions are bound by professional codes of conduct to protect the integrity of academic publishing:

• All participants in post-publication discussion are expected to communicate honestly, provide accurate information, respect scholarly standards, and avoid misrepresenting the work of others. Authors responding to critiques should address substantive concerns professionally, while critics should support their claims with appropriate evidence.
• IJCP will handle post-publication discussions fairly and impartially. The journal will distinguish evidence-based scholarly criticism from personal disputes and take appropriate steps to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.
• This policy is informed by COPE guidance on post-publication discussion and COPE guidance on publication ethics and transparency. IJCP may review and update this policy when necessary to maintain responsible editorial practices and the integrity of published research.