Recovery and Nonrecovery After Psychotherapy With Transference Interpretation: Two Case Studies

Intersession experiences and internalized representations of psychotherapy: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Between-session processes outside the therapy room and beyond the direct interaction between a therapist and client can play an important role in the psychotherapeutic process and outcome. These processes are called intersession experiences and can be seen as internalized mental representations of therapy and/or therapists. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, different digital forms of treatment have successfully been implemented and could be relevant even after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, patients' internalized mental representations may become highly relevant in the future.

RATIONALE

The aim of this study was to conceptually delineate the current state of research on internalized mental representations of therapy or therapists in the period between sessions and to provide an overview of the evidence. In addition, we aimed to identify research gaps to provide a baseline for further research.

METHODS

For this purpose, we conducted a scoping review to obtain a comprehensive overview of the evidence and to identify the relevant research gaps. We searched PsycArticles, Medline, PsycINFO, and PSYNDEX for publications on internalized mental representations.

RESULTS

The final sample comprised 30 publications published from 1989 to 2021. Based on the individual study results, it can be assumed that intersession experiences are of central importance for psychotherapeutic treatment. However, the scoping review showed that there was a large gap in knowledge in the research of intersession experiences. All previous research was barely comparable, and therefore, a generalized statement is not possible.

CONCLUSION

Future research should provide sufficient information about relevant aspects, such as the setting, therapists, and patients, as these factors are likely to have a significant impact on the outcome. Furthermore, better measurements for the assessment of these processes should be developed.

Psychotherapy for personal growth? A multicultural and multitheoretical exploration

OBJECTIVE

This paper reports on a focus-group discussion of four expert psychotherapy researchers facilitated at an international conference from the Society of Psychotherapy Research. A discussion was facilitated to explore their perspectives on psychotherapy practices of personal growth (intentionally working towards a strengthened sense of autonomy, mastery, and self-acceptance) in different countries (United States, Canada, Argentina, and Chile) and different modalities (psychoanalysis, humanistic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy).

METHODS

Following the conference, the audio recording of this discussion was transcribed and analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods.

RESULTS

Six domains were identified; definition of personal growth, mental health care systems, psychotherapy practice, psychotherapy research, client and therapist characteristics, and social stigma.

RESULTS

Six domains were identified; definition of personal growth, mental health care systems, psychotherapy practice, psychotherapy research, client and therapist characteristics, and social stigma.

CONCLUSION

Future research examining the cost-effectiveness and benefits of psychotherapy for personal growth is warranted. Building on the six domains, specific future research projects on the evidence-based practice of psychotherapy for personal growth are suggested.