A Thematic Analysis of between Session Activities of Counseling Clients

Abstract

The contribution of between session tasks to psychotherapy outcome has been well documented and many models of psychotherapy utilize homework as an important component of treatment. Despite widespread use of between session tasks as a therapeutic technique, there is little consensus about the frequency and type of homework, and limited information about the completion of between session tasks, or the palatability of between session tasks on the part of therapy clients. The manuscript presents the results of a qualitative thematic analysis of between session tasks as reported by couple therapy clients of two university-based counseling centers in the United States. Data were collected through a daily diary format. Findings suggested that many clients completed between session tasks. Themes in tasks reported were: Communication and related behaviors; love, acceptance, and emotional work; and task oriented behaviors.

Keywords:

• Homework
• between session activities
• couples
• couple therapy

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.