Process Research on Couples Therapy:

An Empirical Study about the Experiences of the Clients and Therapist during the First Session

Abstract

　　Only a few qualitative studies have examined couples therapy in Japan. This article describes a study that explored the experiences of clients and the therapist during the first session of couples therapy. The interpersonal process recall method was used to identify pivotal moments in clients' perceptions and experiences. A team of five researchers met regularly to analyze data in an approach known as consensual qualitative research. Collectively, the researchers suggested 4 points that the therapist should be mindful of during the first session of couples therapy: 1) The importance of one partner supporting the other when they have different needs and motivations, 2) Exploring topics that bring out a couple's good side, 3) Repeatedly helping one partner to understand the other's remarks, and 4) Identifying a couple's unspoken feelings.