Corrective Experiences of Psychotherapists in Training

Although the concept of corrective experiences (CEs) is usually linked to the process of change in psychotherapy patients, we investigated them in the professional development of therapists-in-training. Inasmuch as psychotherapy is a relational process, it is important to look closely at how therapists reach the position of a competent partner in corrective experiencing. In this study, we interviewed 10 therapists-in-training undergoing their own training therapy. Responses to these semistructured interviews were analyzed using a computer-assisted grounded theory method. The 499 first-level categories were grouped into 5 main themes: therapist characteristics, therapist technical interventions, therapist relational interventions, relationship experience, and outcome experience. Two core categories representing corrective experiencing were (a) unexpected unconditional support from and trust in their own therapist and (b) unexpected confrontation and limitation with their therapist as well as awareness of self-other boundaries. Results are discussed in the broader context of the CE literature, relational theory, and relational practice.