Feeling accepted: A phenomenological exploration of adolescent patients’ experiences of the relational qualities that enable them to express themselves freely

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore adolescent psychotherapy patients’ experiences of the relational qualities that make it possible for them to express themselves freely and to continue their self-consolidation.Design: An interview-based study using thematic analysis based on hermeneutical–phenomenological epistemology.Methods: Semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews with 14 adolescents.Results: The adolescents’ experiences were clustered around five themes: (1) receiving full and genuine attention; (2) not having to take care of and responsibility for the therapist; (3) being accepted and valued; (4) the therapist staying with them through emotionally painful moments; and (5) the therapist facilitating openness by sharing.Conclusions: The results from the current study suggest that there are particular ways that therapists can relate to adolescent patients which would make them feel more able to express themselves freely and that create an atmosphere which facilitates the consolidation of the adolescents’ sense of self.