By Laurel White
Patients who cry during psychotherapy sessions and receive high-quality support from their therapists report greater improvement compared to those who don’t cry, according to a new study co-authored by a UW–Madison faculty member.
The study, published in a recent issue of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, found that crying can improve therapeutic outcomes and improve the relationship between client and therapist. The analysis was co-authored by Stephanie Budge, professor and director of clinical training in the School of Education’s Department of Counseling Psychology.
Budge says the study builds on previous research that showed “positive” crying experiences are related to both growth outside of therapy and improved client-therapist alliance. Budge also points out the findings illustrate the importance of a therapist’s response to a client’s tears.
“These results show the association between crying and the outcomes of therapy and the client-therapist relationship is not necessarily about the number of crying episodes, but how crying episodes are emotionally and cognitively experienced or processed with the therapist,” she says.
The findings show therapists should consider crying episodes pivotal and sensitive moments. The study authors urge them to dedicate time to exploring experiences around crying and specifically process crying experiences of insecurely attached patients.
The study used the largest U.S. sample to date to investigate clients’ experiences with crying in therapy and their relation to outcome, the therapeutic relationship, and client attachment styles. It collected online survey responses about crying in therapy from 124 patients.
Budge’s co-authors were Michael Katz, assistant professor at Long Island University Post, Mark J. Hilsenroth, professor at the Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University, Natassia Johnson, associate professor at Fielding Graduate University, and Jesse Owen, professor at the University of Denver.
The study was highlighted in a recent research spotlight article by the American Psychological Association.
Broadly, Budge’s research focuses on improving access to mental health care for transgender and nonbinary communities, well-being for LGBTQ populations, and psychotherapy process and outcomes.
Read the full study, “‘Window of opportunity’: Clients’ experiences of crying in psychotherapy and their relationship with change, the alliance, and attachment,” here.