Understanding the psychotherapeutic change in adolescents: Voices of patients and therapists

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the process of psychotherapeutic change from the subjective perspectives of adolescents and therapists who participated in therapy. Method: A qualitative approach was used; information was collected through a semi-structured audio-recorded interview, which occurred at the end of therapy. The participants were 17 therapeutic dyads (adolescents: average age 15.8 years; 64.7% female gender; therapists: average age 30.3 years; 55.5% female gender), who performed their therapies in natural contexts and with different theoretical approaches. Trained coders analyzed the data through the procedures proposed by the Grounded Theory, with open and axial coding, performing processes of permanent reorganizations and triangulations. Results: The results show two major phenomena related to the processes of change: (a) The encounter with “the other” as a safe platform and relational substrate to generate change and (b) Change as empowerment and development. Discussion: The central role of the therapeutic relationship and the achievement of developmental tasks (identity, autonomy and self-determination) in psychotherapeutic change is discussed. In addition, it also reflects on the skills and actions of the therapists.