Successful humanistic psychotherapeutic processes: Therapeutic relationship and significant aspects from the perspective of patients and therapists of integrative therapy

This article examines the role of the therapeutic relationship in psychotherapeutic processes. The focus is on the perspectives of psychotherapists and the perception of beneficial or obstructive aspects by both parties. The qualitative data comes from interviews from the study ‘Process and Outcome in Established Psychotherapeutic Practice (POPP)’, which was conducted with integrative therapists and their patients. This data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Psychotherapists identify common alliance factors, individual aspects of therapists and patients as well as contextual influences. With regard to so-called ‘significant events’, there is a high level of agreement between the perceptions of the therapists and their patients. A therapeutic relationship that is characterised by empathy, appreciation and a collaborative partnership is seen as particularly beneficial. Two studies on integrative therapy, an example of the humanistic approach, emphasise the importance of the therapeutic relationship. The study was conducted in collaboration with Dr Brigitte Schigl MSc and supported by KL as an open access publication.

Denkmayr, M., Werner-Tutschku, C., Schaffler, Y., Probst, T., Humer, E., & Schigl, B. (2024). Erfolgreiche humanistische psychotherapeutische Prozesse: Therapeutische Beziehung und signifikante Aspekte aus Sicht von Patient:innen und Therapeut:innen der Integrativen Therapie. Psychotherapie Forum. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00729-024-00257-z