Using therapeutic contracts in person-centered counseling and psychotherapy: the perspectives of experienced Greek person-centered therapists

Abstract

ABSTRACT The therapeutic contract is an important aspect of the counseling process. However, it has received limited research interest, especially in the person-centered community. The objective of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions and use of therapeutic contracts of seven experienced, person-centered therapists in Greece. A grounded theory design was chosen to guide the analysis of the data that were collected through semi-structured interviews. The emergent theoretical model was conceptualized as a system organized around the core category of ‘Forming a Safe – Attuned Framework’, which included the key-categories ‘Coordination game’, ‘Boundary setting’, and ‘Equal relationship’. Data analysis also revealed the contextual input of the ‘Therapist’s characteristics’ and the contextual output of the ‘Client consequences’. The emergent theory suggests that experienced person-centered therapists utilize therapeutic contracts in the first session with a new client in order to create a safe environment in which they can work cooperatively and develop their relationship. This process is guided by specific characteristics of the therapists (e.g. their sense of professional identity), and leads to various positive consequences for clients (e.g. facilitating their personal freedom). The study has important implications for practicing professionals, as well as for the training of new person-centered therapists.