Facilitating client change: Principles based upon the experience of eminent psychotherapists

Abstract

Eminent therapists across psychotherapy meta-orientations were asked to describe the processes by which they facilitate change in psychotherapy. A grounded theory analysis of these interviews was conducted. Safety within the psychotherapeutic relationship was identified as a central element in creating client change to the extent that in-session risk taking was important in that orientation. As well, common processes across orientation in structuring new awareness emerged as a core finding. Patterns were identified in how therapists balanced negotiating the client–therapist relationship while fostering new awareness. Principles based on therapists' common intentions are put forward to guide future research and psychotherapy integration efforts.