Clients\u27 Preferences for Their Therapists\u27 Relational Styles in Psychotherapy: A Consensual Qualitative Research Study

Abstract

Background Accommodating clients\u27 preferences is a cornerstone of evidence-based practice. However, little is known of clients\u27 preferences for their therapists\u27 relational styles. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis focused on identifying clients\u27 preferences for their therapists\u27 relational styles, using original data from Cooper et al.\u27s (2023) consensual qualitative research (CQR) study. Initial data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with a cohort of 13 clients who had completed up to 24 sessions of pluralistic psychotherapy. Of these participants, 10 identified as female and three identified as male. Findings Four themes and six sub-themes emerged: (1) Clients preferred their therapist to be active/not passively disengaged and to provide input, challenge and guidance (n = 10); (2) Clients preferred their therapist to display relatedness, warmth and validation (n = 8); (3) Clients preferred some flexibility, attunement and for their therapist to adapt the therapy to their unique needs (n = 5); (4) Clients preferred to be listened to, having a space to talk and to explore (n = 4). Implications for Practice The themes offer insights that can serve as a foundational framework for future research and contribute to the development of training programmes tailored to enhance counselling psychologists\u27 preference work and relational styles