Abstract
[Content and Process in Experiential Psychotherapy An Empirical Exploration]
Three hundred and twenty five sessions — stemming from 41 therapies and 25 therapists — were described by both client and therapist, on the basis of open questions concerning content of dialogue and curative processes. Two category systems were constructed. As to content, the data show that clients most often talk about their present interpersonal life problems, with little reference to childhood experiences or fantasmatic material. No correlation was found between specificity of content and degree of satisfaction about the session. Helping processes are described along the following dimensions: Relational climate, depth of selfexploration, experiential insight, session outcome, and a series of therapist interventions which go beyond the “classical” client-centered repertoire.