Footprints of Couple Therapy: Client Reflections at Follow-Up

This study explores client experiences in couple therapy through analysis of written client responses at 6-month follow-up. A sub-sample participated in a randomized trial comparing outcomes for couples that used routine client feedback with no-feedback couples. Thematic analysis indicates that clients prefer personable and active therapists who maintain neutrality. Women and men expressed dissatisfaction with lack of therapist structuring and challenge. Lack of therapist initiative and flexibility in scheduling emerged as most problematic, with nonfeedback clients most dissatisfied. Most clients rated use of feedback very helpful. The study's method provides a way to use posttherapy client feedback to improve services.