Psychotherapy for personal growth? A multicultural and multitheoretical exploration

Abstract

Objective: This paper reports on a focus-group discussion of four expert psychotherapy researchers facilitated at an international conference from the Society of Psychotherapy Research. A discussion was facilitated to explore their perspectives on psychotherapy practices of personal growth (intentionally working towards a strengthened sense of autonomy, mastery, and self-acceptance) in different countries (United States, Canada, Argentina, and Chile) and different modalities (psychoanalysis, humanistic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy). Methods: Following the conference, the audio recording of this discussion was transcribed and analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods. Results. Six domains were identified; definition of personal growth, mental health care systems, psychotherapy practice, psychotherapy research, client and therapist characteristics, and social stigma. Results: Six domains were identified; definition of personal growth, mental health care systems, psychotherapy practice, psychotherapy research, client and therapist characteristics, and social stigma.Conclusion: Future research examining the costeffectiveness and benefits of psychotherapy for personal growth is warranted. Building on the six domains, specific future research projects on the evidence-based practice of psychotherapy for personal growth are suggested. K E Y W O R D S international, personal growth, psychotherapy, qualitative

Personal growth initiative, mental health stigma, and intentions to seek professional psychological help: A model extension.

“…The decision to seek mental health care is increasingly and explicitly defined by both professionals and clients as reflecting motivation for personal growth and positive self-change (Aafjes-van Doorn et al, 2020; De Smet et al, 2020). The extent to which a person holds a growth-oriented mindset exists on a continuum, and these differences can be operationalized as reflecting their PGI levels.…”

“…Among mental health professionals and clients, it has become increasingly common to describe seeking mental health care as motivated by a desire for personal growth (Aafjes-van Doorn et al, 2020;De Smet et al, 2020). Therefore, it is reasonable that PGI, which captures a person's interest in and perceived ability to change, is an important individual differences variable which might relate to stigma and the process of seeking professional psychological help.…”