A grounded theory analysis of the therapeutic relationship with clients sexually abused as children and non-abused clients

The objective of this study was to investigate whether clients with a history of child sexual abuse (CSA) and non‐abused clients differ in their views of the therapeutic relationship. Two groups of 17 clients receiving psychological therapy, those who reported a history of CSA and a matched group who had not reported abuse, were asked in a semi‐structured interview about what was important to the therapeutic alliance. The accounts of the two groups were analysed using grounded theory, and then compared. The qualitative analysis demonstrated that both groups identified many similar important issues. These included factors relating to the therapist, to therapy itself, and to the client's perception of the relationship. Women in the CSA group emphasized the interpersonal qualities of the therapist and how they felt about their relationship, while the other clients talked more about therapeutic techniques and progress in therapy. Important issues mentioned exclusively by the CSA group included the therapist's commitment, being believed, and the therapist not showing negative reactions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.