Naslov
Potential clients’ misconceptions about psychotherapy

Autori
Markanović, Dragana ; Bagarić, Branka ; Jurman, Joško

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, neobjavljeni rad, stručni

Skup
The 9th International Congress of Cognitive Psychotherapy

Mjesto i datum
Cluj-Napoca, Rumunjska, 29.06.2017. - 01.07.2017

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
psychotherapy ; beliefs ; cognitive-behavioral model

Sažetak
Seventy percent of persons suffering from mental disorders never seek professional help. Among those who seek psychotherapy, at least 20% end treatment prematurely. To a certain extent, these findings could be explained by clients’ unrealistic expectations about psychotherapy, which are especially interesting from cognitive-behavioral point of view which emphasizes the role of cognitions in our emotional and behavioral reactions. Surprisingly, although expectations are recognized a common factor in psychotherapy, they are still insufficiently studied. Hence, the aim of this research study was to explore a potential clients’ beliefs about psychotherapy process and outcome. A total of 201 participants from Croatia were included in the study. They completed Psychotherapy Beliefs Questionnaire which was constructed for the purposes of our study, and answered questions regarding sociodemographic data, psychological problems, and experience with psychotherapy. Data were collected via Internet and Facebook page of Croatian Association for Behavioral- Cognitive Therapies. Our results show that potential clients generally have positive expectations and many correct ideas about psychotherapy. Yet, there are also several misconceptions. Many of our participants reveal stereotypical and psychoanalytic view of therapy ; more than 50% believe that clients and therapists always talk about dreams, and around 50% believe that clients experience intensive emotions or cry during therapy. Two- thirds expect linear progress through the therapy. Significantly more women than men believe that the therapist will solve their problem, and men more often believe that therapists also have some psychological problems. Older participants are more suspicious about therapists’ intentions. It is particularly interesting that there is no difference in beliefs regarding participants’ experience with psychotherapy. Since these misconceptions may obstruct therapy process and impair its outcomes, professionals should closely examine clients’ treatment expectations, and put more effort into educating general population about psychotherapy.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Psihologija

POVEZANOST RADA