“We Are All Trying to Find a Way to Help Ourselves”: A Look at Self-Help Strategies Among Psychotherapy Clients

• Main Authors: Sherilyn Chang, Rajeswari Sambasivam, Esmond Seow, Geoffrey Chern-Yee Tan, Sharon Huixian Lu, Hanita Assudani, Siow Ann Chong, Mythily Subramaniam, Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2021-10-01
• Series: Frontiers in Psychology
• Subjects: self-help; psychotherapy; self-management; bibliotherapy; self-care
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.621085/full
• ISSN: 1664-1078

Objective: This study examined self-help strategies engaged by psychotherapy clients and explored their views on such self-help approach.Methods: Secondary analysis of data from a qualitative research study was conducted. A total of 15 psychotherapy clients were recruited, and data were collected via semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of data was conducted using inductive approach to examine the content.Results: Three main themes revolving around self-help strategies were identified: (1) types of self-help strategies, (2) reasons for engaging in self-help activities, and (3) effectiveness of self-help strategies.Conclusion: The self-help approach to manage distress is common among psychotherapy clients. This study provided insights into understanding how and why clients use self-help strategies in their daily lives.