Children's expectations and experiences of psychodynamic child psychotherapy

The aim of this study was to explore children's expectations and experiences of psychodynamic child psychotherapy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using self-rating instruments, drawing materials and a selection of toys. Ten children aged 6-10 years were interviewed prior to and after treatment (mean number of sessions = 99). The main results showed that most of the children, despite their young age, had the ability to give clinically valuable accounts, verbally or non-verbally, of their problems. A majority of the children expressed positive hopes and expectations about their forthcoming therapy as well as regarding the experience of therapy as positive or very positive after termination. Self-ratings of change showed a moderate degree of improvement in their problems. Pre-treatment attitudes were linked with post-treatment self-ratings of improvement. The importance of preparing the child and the family for therapy and of listening to the children's experiences is highlighted.