Sparks of psychotherapeutic change: How therapists understand moments of meetings' contribution to change in psychotherapy

Psychother Res. 2022 Apr;32(4):511-524. doi: 10.1080/10503307.2021.1948138. Epub 2021 Jul 5.

Abstract

Objective: : This study describes therapists' experience of moments of meeting with their patients in psychotherapy, and how these moments relate to the patient's change process.

Method: 13 in-depth interviews conducted with therapists from different theoretical backgrounds were analyzed using Grounded Theory.

Results: Four categories were established: (1) Characteristics of moments of meeting, (2) Triggers of moments of meeting (3) Enabling conditions, and (4) Main effects of moments of meeting. A conceptual model was developed around an axial phenomenon that provides understanding on how moments of meeting contribute to the change process in psychotherapy, through the construction of shared relational knowing.

Discussion: : The value of moments of meeting for the therapeutic process is discussed and reflected upon, as well as their effect on changes regarding implicit relational knowing.

Keywords: implicit relational knowing; moments of meeting; process research; psychotherapy process; therapist’s subjective experience.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Professional-Patient Relations*
  • Psychotherapy*