"I too deserve good": A qualitative exploration of corrective relational experiences in psychodynamic therapy for depression.

Abstract

Corrective relational experiences (CREs) occur specifically within the therapeutic relationship and are perceived by patients as distinct and meaningful. Despite their potential importance in facilitating therapeutic change, CREs received limited theoretical, clinical, and empirical attention. The present study aimed to identify different types of CREs and to examine whether they suggest distinct mechanisms of change. Posttreatment semistructured qualitative interviews with 57 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder following short-term supportive-expressive psychodynamic psychotherapy uncovered 21 CREs. Four ideal types were identified: experiencing empathic engagement, experiencing nonjudgmental acceptance, experiencing new understanding or insight, and experiencing encouragement and empowerment. All patients who reported a CRE also described intrapersonal growth, and most reported an improved relationship with their therapist following the CRE. Our findings highlight the enduring impact of these experiences, even years after the conclusion of therapy, providing a more nuanced understanding of how they may drive positive change in the treatment of individuals with major depressive disorder. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).