The importance of considering clients' perspectives in psychotherapy research

Abstract

This paper argues that for evidential, political and conceptual reasons it is important for psychotherapy researchers to consider clients' perspectives. We discuss some of the reasons why, traditionally, researchers have tended to neglect clients' perspectives, and some of the reasons why taking clients' views is both appropriate and necessary for the development of the field. We then describe psychotherapy research at four levels of client involvement. Finally, we show some ways that researchers could enhance their research by taking clients' perspectives.