Experiential congruence: Qualitative analysis of client and counsellor narrative accounts of significant events in time‐limited person‐centred therapy

Abstract

The concept of congruence represents a core theoretical construct in the development of client‐centred therapy, and remains fundamental to the practice of experiential approaches to psychotherapy. This study explores the ways in which congruence is experienced during significant moments of therapy. Client and counsellor accounts of moments of congruence/incongruence were collected from six cases of person‐centred counselling, and were analysed using a method of narrative analysis. It was found that participants experienced congruence in a variety of ways, suggesting that the construct does not describe a unitary phenomenon. Congruence was experienced as simultaneously intrapsychic and relational. The effective negotiation of episodes of incongruence comprised a necessary element of effective therapy. Further research into the nature of congruence may be valuable in contributing to new understandings of how therapeutic alliances are made, broken and repaired.

A qualitative and quantitative study of psychotherapists’ congruence in Singapore

“…Grafanaki and McLeod (2002) found that congruence is not a ''unitary phenomenon.'' Hence, there is value in conceptualizing congruence as a multifaceted construct.…”

“…Moreover, research participants tended to be predominantly from the West. To test the crosscultural validity of congruence, Grafanaki and McLeod (2002) and Lee (2002b) recommended that more research be conducted on congruence with participants of different cultural backgrounds. Given the vital role of congruence in therapy, this study, using phenomenological analysis, seeks to explore (a) the Singaporean Chinese therapists' lived experience of congruence in their personal or inner lives; (b) how this congruence is used in psychotherapy; and (c) how therapists enhance their level of congruence.…”

A Re-Conceptualization of Rogers' Core Conditions: Implications for Research, Practice and Training

“…As Grafanaki and McLeod (2002) point out this type of honest relationship is fundamental to all therapies. Its multi-dimensional nature has been noted by Lietaer (1993) who identifies the two aspects of genuineness and transparency and Tudor and Worrall (1994) who identify four elements, namely: self-awareness; self-awareness in action; communication; and appropriateness.…”

In Search of Flow in Counseling and Psychotherapy: Identifying the necessary ingredients of peak moments of therapy interaction / Auf der Suche nachFlowin Beratung und Psychotherapie: Identifikation der notwendigen Bestandteile von Gipfelmomenten therapeutischer Interaktion / En búsqueda de fluidez en counseling y psicoterapia: Identificando los ingredientes necesarios de los momentos pico de interacción en terapia / La recherche de mouvement dans le counseling et la psychothérapie: L'identification

“…It highlighted the importance of achieving personal insights and new understandings about the self/issue, as instrumental in monitoring the client's progress. In the literature, good or significant moments of therapy vividly captured the client's ability to experience or express new ways of being or behaving, and acknowledge self-growth and personal insight (Cummings, Slemon, & Hallberg, 1993;Elliott, 1985;Grafanaki, 1997;Grafanaki & McLeod, 2002;Llewelyn, et al, 1988;Mahrer & Nadler, 1986;Martin & Stelmaczonek, 1988).…”

“…According to the counseling literature, intense focus and concentration on a meaningful task/topic captured or led to problem clarification, problem solving or insight (Elliott, 1985;Elliott, James, Reimschuessel, et al, 1985;Grafanaki & McLeod, 2002;Llewelyn, Elliott, Shapiro, et al, 1988). Active engagement of the counselor and the client with meaningful, yet challenging (not easy) tasks was important during highly facilitative, helpful moments of therapy that promoted positive therapeutic outcomes (Grafanaki, 1997;Grafanaki & McLeod, 2002). We anticipated that flow moments of therapy would be marked by intense focus and active engagement with meaningful material that helped the client meet goals and overcome challenges.…”