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‘It was almost like the opposite of what I needed’: A qualitative exploration of client experiences of unhelpful therapy
Author(s) -
Bowie Christine,
McLeod Julia,
McLeod John
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
counselling and psychotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.38
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1746-1405
pISSN - 1473-3145
DOI - 10.1002/capr.12066
Subject(s) - interpretative phenomenological analysis , perspective (graphical) , psychotherapist , qualitative research , negotiation , psychology , therapeutic relationship , medicine , clinical psychology , sociology , social science , artificial intelligence , computer science
Background The issue of unhelpful and harmful therapy outcome has received an increasing amount of attention within the research literature in recent years. However, little research exists on the client's perspective of what constitutes unhelpful therapy. Aim The aim of this study was to explore clients’ experiences of unhelpful therapy. Method Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with ten therapists who, as clients, experienced unhelpful therapy. Interview transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings Participants recounted therapy episodes characterised by an absence of negotiation, collaboration and care; pivotal moments when they knew that they would not return; and ongoing negative effects. Conclusions The findings of this study have implications for training and strategies for supporting clients who have been harmed by therapy.