Therapist and client attitudes toward client independent review of psychotherapy sessions

Abstract

Objectives Little consideration has been given to the possibility that clients may find therapeutic value in reviewing (i.e., watching, listening, or reading transcripts of) their own therapy sessions independently. This study aimed to evaluate prevalence, interest, and preferences in this practice, beliefs regarding potential benefits and concerns, and overall attitudes. Methods A diverse sample of clients (N = 275) as well as trainee (N = 85) and Master's/doctoral‐level (N = 89) therapists of different therapeutic approaches completed forms online. Descriptive statistics, frequency counts, and one‐way analysis of variance tests were used to analyze the data. Results Relatively few clients and therapists have engaged in this practice, but clients report interest in doing so. All participant groups identified several advantages and concerns. Clients rated overall helpfulness and harm significantly higher than therapists. Conclusion Client independent review of sessions may be a promising transdiagnostic and transtheoretical treatment intervention. Future research is needed to evaluate its impact on treatment.