University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring the Experiences of Clients who Participated in Acceptance and Commitment Group Therapy : A Qualitative Research Study
Poggenklas, Emily (2025) Exploring the Experiences of Clients who Participated in Acceptance and Commitment Group Therapy : A Qualitative Research Study.
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| Abstract: | Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a third-wave cognitive-behavioural therapy that aims at fostering psychological flexibility, enabling individuals to engage with their thoughts and emotions more adaptively. While previous quantitative research has demonstrated the therapy ́s effectiveness in reducing anxiety and depression, little is known about how clients themselves experience it, particularly in group therapy settings. The present study explored how clients who participated in Acceptance and Commitment group therapy describe their experiences. It offers a deeper understanding of the therapeutic processes and perceived outcomes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in a group. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on questionnaire responses from 68 participants who participated in Acceptance and Commitment group therapy at the mental health organisation “Mindfit”. The questionnaire data was analysed inductively, identifying underlying themes in how clients described their experiences. The analysis revealed five central themes: Safety and Trust in Group Therapy, Learning to Accept Thoughts and Emotions, Feeling more Alive and Engaged, Taking it Beyond the Group Therapy, and Opportunities for Improvement. The findings indicate that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ́s processes are experienced in varied personal ways, often beyond symptom reduction. Clients naturally integrate the therapy ́s processes into their lives, even without explicitly using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy terminology when describing their experiences. This study also highlights the unique benefits and challenges of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in a group setting, reinforcing that the therapy not only reduces distress but fosters values-driven, meaningful engagement with life. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106194 |
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