Psychotherapists' experience of the psychotherapy process: A salutogenic approach

Abstract

Literature regarding therapists' experiences of psychotherapy has highlighted the sometimes challenging and emotionally draining nature of the work of psychotherapy. These challenges have been found to be related to elements of the psychotherapeutic process and impact therapist effectiveness. Consequently, this might affect therapeutic success and outcomes. Numerous researchers have investigated this from a pathogenic perspective to try understand the nature of these challenges and how they could potentially lead to burnout. However, limited studies have focused on this phenomenon from a salutogenic standpoint. Antonovsky's findings regarding stress and wellbeing led to the formulation of the Sense of Coherence Theory (SOC). According to this theory, the more meaningful, manageable, and comprehensible a person perceives a stressful situation to be, the closer to ease and further from disease they may find themselves on the mental health continuum. The present investigation sought to address the following question: What makes the therapeutic process meaningful, manageable, and comprehensible from the perspective of the psychotherapist? The aim of the study was to explore and understand how psychologists, make sense of the psychotherapeutic process by employing the lens of Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence Theory (SOC). The study was conducted utilizing a qualitative approach. During this study, interviews were conducted with 12 psychologists in private practice, some of whom were also involved in academics. The participants took part in semi-structured interviews which were transcribed and subjected to a hybrid approach of thematic analysis. Firstly, three major themes were identified under the construct ofmeaningfulness, namely: (1) the therapeutic relationship; (2) the person of the psychotherapist; and (3) the change process. Secondly, five major themes were identified under the construct of manageability, namely: (1) consultations; (2) formal training; (3) practical strategies; (4) evidence-based practice; and (5) self-care. Finally, three major themes were identified under the construct of comprehensibility, and these included: (1) feedback; (2) practice-based evidence; and (3) specific techniques. The findings demonstrated sources of meaningfulness, manageability, and comprehensibility which psychotherapists found valuable in their experiences of the psychotherapeutic process. Therefore, the results were useful in attempting to understand psychotherapists' experience of SOC during the psychotherapeutic process. Moreover, it was found to contribute towards psychotherapists' wellbeing and thus, it created an opportunity for improving effective psychotherapeutic practices.