Psychotherapy Process Variables Associated with the Retrieval of Memories of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Study

This study investigated, from the client's perspective, how the therapeutic process is associated with the retrieval of sexual abuse memories in psychotherapy. A qualitative analysis was applied to the transcripts of semistructured interviews of 11 adult women who identified themselves as victims of childhood sexual abuse and as retrieving memories of abuse during ongoing or past psychotherapy. Results are reported as themes or codes that represent participants' perspectives about the therapeutic process. Noteworthy codes are organized within the categories of (a) the therapeutic relationship, (b) therapeutic effects, (c) therapist characteristics, and (d) therapy techniques.