Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025

Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression
Published on: January 7, 2019
Exploring psychotherapists' experiences in delivering effective treatment for major depression in Saudi Arabia: a
Salha Senan1, Hend Alsulaiman2
1Department of Psychology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. ssenan@kau.edu.sa.
Abstract:
Psychotherapists in Saudi Arabia face several challenges when treating patients with major depression. This qualitative study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by mental health professionals when delivering therapeutic interventions to patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder within the unique cultural and social dynamics of Saudi Arabia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Saudi psychotherapists (n = 13) treating patients with major depression. Data were collected through detailed interview notes and analysed using thematic analysis. According to the perspectives of the psychotherapists, the challenges encountered were grouped around two key factors: factors related to therapists and factors related to patients. Findings from the thematic analysis showed that therapists' motivation, patients' family support, recency of the problem, patients' personality, their belief in psychotherapy, financial reasons, the therapeutic relationship, and social support were the factors related to treatment success. The results show that both therapist-related factors (such as motivation, personal and professional needs) and patient-related factors (such as family support, personality, recentness of the problem, and financial problems) might be related to treatment success. These findings highlight the complex, multidimensional nature of the factors contributing to successful psychological treatment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychotherapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy

