A Case Study of Female Clients’ Experiences of Psychotherapy in Islamabad

Abstract

The current study is based on a qualitative analysis of experiences of five female patients who are under treatment for mental health disorders. The main aim was to highlight the contribution of psychosocial factors in the development of their symptoms and analyze the challenges they face in seeking treatment. Selection of the cases was done using purposive sampling technique and five clients within age range of 25-43 years were selected who had been in psychotherapy for at least ten sessions. Sessions of the clients were recorded by notes taking by the researcher with consent while they took session with their counselor. Thematic analysis of the notes reveals that women suffering from different mental health disorders lack social support from family and friends. Their family issues and social support emerged as significant factors triggering symptoms of anxiety, depression, post- partum depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. The major challenges in utilizing mental healthcare services includes lack of awareness about mental disorders, stigma and perceived side effects of medications. The study highlights need for gender specific therapeutic interventions taking social and cultural factors into consideration to provide holistic treatment.