AUTHOR=Chang Sherilyn , Sambasivam Rajeswari , Seow Esmond , Tan Geoffrey Chern-Yee , Lu Sharon Huixian , Assudani Hanita , Chong Siow Ann , Subramaniam Mythily , Vaingankar Janhavi Ajit 

TITLE=“We Are All Trying to Find a Way to Help Ourselves”: A Look at Self-Help Strategies Among Psychotherapy Clients

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.621085

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2021.621085

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Objective: This study examined self-help strategies engaged by psychotherapy clients and explored their views on such self-help approach. 
Methods: Secondary analysis of data from a qualitative research study was conducted. A total of 15 psychotherapy clients were recruited and data was collected via semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of data was conducted using inductive approach to examine the data. 
Results: Three main themes revolving self-help strategies were identified: (1) Types of self-help strategies, (2) Reasons for engaging in self-help activities, and (3) Effectiveness of self-help strategies.
Conclusions: The self-help approach to manage distress is common among psychotherapy clients. This study provided insights into understanding how and why clients use self-help strategies in their daily lives.