A place for therapy: Clients reflect on their experiences in psychotherapists’ offices

Abstract

Previous research suggests that the physical environment of the psychotherapy office is important for treatment engagement, client feelings and behavior, and clinician support. However, there is limited research that includes the voices of psychotherapy clients. The purpose of this study was to explore the meanings clients ascribe to the offices in which they seek treatment in order to develop a fuller picture of the importance of the place of treatment. Eight psychotherapy clients in a large urban city were interviewed about their experiences of their psychotherapy offices using semi-structured protocols. Analysis of interviews identified three main themes in regard to client perception of the offices’ uses: (a) comfort, (b) connection, and (c) insight into the therapist. Results highlight the potential importance of the physical environment in psychotherapy treatment and implications for practice are provided.