Patients’ Perspective on the Important Therapeutic Factors in Integrated Systemic Group Therapy: A Phenomenological Approach

ABSTRACT

This qualitative research refers to the patients’ perspective on the therapeutic factors operating in long-term group therapy of an integrated systemic orientation (ISO). Semi-structured interviews of members of two long-term ISO psychotherapy groups were conducted in three phases: the first, second, and third year of their group psychotherapy. The research sample consisted of 13 participants. The data was analyzed through an interpretative phenomenological analysis. The results confirmed the classification of Yalom’s therapeutic factors. However, an additional therapeutic factor emerged, the “development of pluralistic perspectives” that appears more clearly from the second year of therapy onward. Moreover, from the second year onward, the categories “existential factors” and “interpersonal learning” get strengthened. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Antonia (Dona) Papastylianou

Antonia (Dona) Papastylianou, Ph.D., Professor in Social Psychology, Department of Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Tasos Travasaros

Tasos Travasaros, Ph.D. candidate, Department of Psychology, National Kapodistrian University of Athens.