Client perceptions of couples therapy: Helpful and unhelpful aspects

This article describes a qualitative study that investigates client percept ions of helpful and unhelpful aspects of couples therapy. A thematic analys is of interviews revealed among other themes, that couple participants asso ciated helpful therapy experiences with (a) being given choices regarding i deas and ways of working that fit for them, (b) working with a therapist th ey trusted, and (c) developing new ideas about the couple relationship. Imp lications of this study for future research, practice, and training are des cribed.