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Knutzen Dissertation WEXFinal.pdf (584.98 KB)

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A Phenomenological Inquiry Into the Client Experience of the Psychotherapy Relationship

Knutzen, Mark D
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1928-8422
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1608325158481581

Abstract Details

2020, Psy. D., Antioch University, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology.
Meta-analyses have indicated that there are likely common factors across varied treatment modalities that account for the effectiveness of psychotherapy. Research has attempted to identify therapist and treatment relationship components that correlate with effective mental health treatment. Yet, there is a paucity of research directly addressing the qualitative experience of the relationship between psychotherapists and their clients. Eight adult psychotherapy clients were interviewed regarding their experience of the psychotherapy relationship with their mental health therapist. The interviews were analyzed through the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Seven themes emerged. Three themes related to the formation, and overall foundation of a therapeutic relationship, were identified as: Knowing the Therapist, Trusting the Therapist (or Treatment Process), and Ruptures (and Resilience). Four themes related to therapeutic components of the psychotherapy relationship were identified as: Re-parenting/Hierarchy-Status, Seen/Witnessed By Therapist (Attunement), Therapeutic Qualities of the Therapy Relationship, and Specialness of the Relationship. Each participant report underscored the significance of the relationship to the therapeutic effect of the mental health treatment.
Michael Toohey, PhD (Committee Chair)
Ann Blake, PhD (Committee Member)
Ned Farley, PhD (Committee Member)
112 p.
Clinical Psychology; Counseling Psychology; Mental Health; Psychotherapy; Therapy
psychotherapy relationship, counseling relationship, common factors, phenomenological study

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Knutzen, M. D. (2020). A Phenomenological Inquiry Into the Client Experience of the Psychotherapy Relationship [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1608325158481581

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Knutzen, Mark. A Phenomenological Inquiry Into the Client Experience of the Psychotherapy Relationship. 2020. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1608325158481581.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Knutzen, Mark. "A Phenomenological Inquiry Into the Client Experience of the Psychotherapy Relationship." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1608325158481581

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

antioch1608325158481581
234
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This open access ETD is published by Antioch University and OhioLINK.