Experience of Helpful Events in Counseling from Clients’ Perspective
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Abstract
This study explored the psychological experiences of clients with significant helpful events from counseling. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a qualitative research method, was conducted on 6 participants via in-depth interviews. Three super-ordinate themes emerged. (1) Characteristics of the relationship perceived by the client, with 3 sub-ordinate themes: being able to talk, counselor’s attentiveness and common understanding, and focusing on client’s perception and consideration of internal world. (2) Process of new understanding emerging from significant helpful events, with 4 sub-ordinate themes: exploring and trying to understand one’s experience, changing/challenging one’s old beliefs or understandings, trying new things or resolutions derived from sessions, and expanding one’s perspectives or alternatives. (3) Impacts of adopting new understandings, with 2 sub-ordinate themes changes in capabilities of dealing with problems/circumstances, and self-acceptance and living in harmony with one’s problems. This study gives an overview of experiences, change mechanism, and outcomes of the clients from counseling. Literatures relevant to the study are discussed.
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References
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