University of Twente Student Theses
Experiences of Clients Who Participated in ACT Group Therapy : Exploring Client Perspectives on Therapeutic Value
Albers, Helen (2025) Experiences of Clients Who Participated in ACT Group Therapy : Exploring Client Perspectives on Therapeutic Value.
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| Abstract: | The client is the most important part of psychotherapy and, thereby, a crucial factor in evaluating whether treatments are effective. Considering client feedback was shown to improve the therapeutic alliance and clinical outcomes, therefore an increasing amount of research evaluating psychotherapy focuses on the client’s perspective. This study aimed to gain deeper insight into clients’ experiences of group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at the mental health organisation “Mindfit”. Specifically, it investigated which therapeutic aspects were most valuable for participants. A total of 68 evaluative questionnaires, completed anonymously by participants, were analysed. They included one scaling and five open-ended questions. A hybrid thematic analysis (HTA) was conducted, in which the six core processes of ACT and the Pause-Choice Model were utilised as deductive codes. Inductive codes emerged from the data. The analysis resulted in five themes deemed particularly valuable by clients, ordered from highest to lowest frequency in the data: Supportive Group Environment (176), Learning How to Recognise and Manage Internal Experiences (81), Modes of Education (46), Practical Application of ACT Techniques (42) and Learning How to Lead a Meaningful Life (37). Shortcomings of the treatment are included in the theme Limitations and Challenges in ACT group therapy (18). The group setting, the core processes acceptance and cognitive defusion and the practical application of ACT, including the Pause-Choice Model, were perceived to have the highest value for participants. Use of ACT terminology by clients in the questionnaires suggests successful learning, while the group setting enhanced sharing of personal experiences and common humanity. Future research should explore how clients apply ACT tools, particularly the Pause-Choice Model, in complex real-life situations and investigate differences across age groups and individual needs. Key words: Client perspective, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Group Therapy, Qualitative Research, Pause-Choice Model |
| 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/106374 |
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