Research on client experiences of therapy: Introduction to the special section

Abstract

I introduce this special section of research on client experiences of therapy by looking at the six studies reported here from three different angles. First, I summarize each study and characterize them in terms of the current research genres they represent. Next, I analyze the studies in terms of the Five Dimensional Model of therapy process (Elliott, 1991). Finally, I briefly summarize what we have learned about the three main questions addressed by these studies: What clients find helpful or hindering in therapy? How do clients see themselves as having changed over the course of therapy?, and, How do clients deal with difficulties in the therapeutic process?Running head: Client Experiences

Further Reflections on the Therapy Training Program in Aarhus, and the Role of Case Studies in Psychotherapy Research

“…Client feedback and reflections might, however, not solve the puzzle, since judgments of internal mental processes are not necessarily highly reliable (Nisbett & Wilson, 1977). More systematic and rigorous qualitative research strategies are available (e.g., Elliott, 2008;Stiles, in press), but there are still few systematic, qualitative studies of therapeutic change mechanisms. More studies are needed within this challenging area before we can decide upon the respective values of different research strategies.…”

Towards the development of Helpful Aspects of Morenian Psychodrama Content Analysis System (HAMPCAS)

“…Therapists can also use this feedback to select, create and modify interventions by improving their performance and becoming more responsive to clients' needs (Hampson, 2008). Finally, the development of this type of research responds to a generalized growing pressure by the international health services, contributing to the improvement of services and ensuring that clients of mental health services receive more appropriate treatment (Booth et al, 1997;Hampson, 2008;Elliott, 2008).…”

Clients’ experiences of the impacts of an experiential art therapy group

“…Researchers in the field of verbal psychotherapy already have a general understanding of those processes which clients find helpful or hindering (Nilsson et al, 2007;Levitt, Butler & Hill, 2006). Clients feel that the therapeutic relationship, the therapist's attention, empathy or validation and the specific problem-solving techniques, which the therapist offers, aid the therapeutic impacts (Elliot, 2008;Nilsson et al, 2007). Clients also consider the therapist's professionalism and expertise in providing structure and enabling them to face up to painful emotions or to encounter unpleasant things are important (Levitt, Butler & Hill, 2006;Nilsson et al, 2007).…”

“…Clients' experiences of the psychotherapy process have been researched for more than 60 years (Elliot, 2008). This has proved important for understanding how the therapeutic process mediates changes and affects outcomes.…”