The Client Speaks Out

The reciprocal exchange of information between a family therapist and his or her client(s) is considered a primary processual component of systemic therapy. Yet, while feedback is often considered part of the practice of therapy as it happens 'in the room,' treatment process utilizing the generation of feedback from clients has been under emphasized. This paper describes clients' perceptions of therapeutic experiences which emerged from interviews conducted after therapy ended. Three of the categories of meaning that emerged from the interviews are discussed as areas of significance for therapists. These relational processes have been identified as: (1) affirmation, (2) discovery, and (3) congruence. Client illustrations and a summary table of key representing these domains are presented that may be helpful to therapists as they clarify their own theoretical ideas and therapeutic behavior.