A Narrative Analysis of Therapeutic Failure Experiences in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Encounter, Reconstruction, and Meaning

Authors

    Hossein Karimian Department of Educational Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
    Parvaneh Salehipour * Department of Educational Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Parvanehbutterfly1979@gmail.com

Keywords:

Therapeutic failure, cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative analysis, psychological growth, resilience, meaning-making

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the narrative experience of therapeutic failure in cognitive-behavioral therapy and to elucidate the dimensions of encounter, reconstruction, and meaning-making in affected clients. This qualitative study employed a narrative analysis approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 27 clients from psychotherapy centers in Tehran who had experienced failure in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Purposeful sampling was conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software. Member checking and peer debriefing were utilized to enhance the credibility of findings. The results revealed three core themes: “Encountering Failure” (hopelessness, identity crisis, negative emotional reactions, and therapy dropout), “Reconstruction after Failure” (seeking alternative treatments, re-evaluating expectations, learning from mistakes, and regaining support), and “Meaning-Making of Failure” (philosophical interpretation, psychological growth, value reappraisal, and sharing experiences). Participants redefined therapeutic failure as both a crisis and an opportunity for growth and meaning. Therapeutic failure in cognitive-behavioral approaches should not be regarded merely as a negative event; rather, it can provide an opportunity for identity reconstruction, personal growth, and increased resilience. Understanding clients’ narratives of failure can inform higher-quality psychological interventions and enhanced clinical support.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2024-03-20

Submitted

2024-01-26

Revised

2024-02-25

Accepted

2024-03-02

Issue

Section

مقالات

How to Cite

Karimian, H. (2024). A Narrative Analysis of Therapeutic Failure Experiences in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Encounter, Reconstruction, and Meaning. Health Psychology and Behavioral Disorders, 2(1), 1-8. https://jhpbd.com/index.php/hpbd/article/view/35

Similar Articles

1-10 of 52

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.