Clients' negative experiences in psychological treatment

Negative experiences (NEs) in psychotherapy, such as feelings of misunderstanding, boundary violations, or symptom worsening, are reported across diverse populations and treatment modalities. The prevalence estimates vary widely (7-96%) due to differences in study designs, populations, and definitions. Such experiences can negatively impact treatment engagement, satisfaction, and outcomes, sometimes resulting in premature termination or deterioration. Although awareness of NEs has increased, systematic assessment and identification of predictors remain limited. This short review presents an overview of current knowledge regarding NEs, emphasizing their diversity and potential influence on treatment outcomes and client well-being. It also underscores the need for improved assessment approaches and the development of personalized interventions to better manage these adverse experiences and optimize therapeutic effectiveness.