The experience of therapeutic change for psychologists preparing to become psychotherapists

AbstractThe present study aims to reveal the experience of therapeutical change and importance of emotional, experiential learning for a future psychotherapist. There are two research questions: how do psychologists preparing to become psychotherapists experience and make sense of therapeutical change, and how do they experience and make sense of the group experience. The study is of qualitative nature using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as a research method and Psychodrama group therapy as an intervention method. Findings show a clear progress towards a more authentic and stronger self. Personal therapy is recommended as an essential component of a psychotherapy training program