Contributions to the evaluation of the existential psychotherapeutic process from the patients’ perspective

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5020/23590777.rs.v26i1.e15147

Keywords:

psychotherapy, existentialism, common factor theory, patient factors, process evaluation

Abstract

Meta-analytic studies have shown that various psychotherapeutic approaches demonstrate comparable efficacy in their clinical outcomes, with the quality of the therapeutic alliance, the therapist’s skills, and the patient’s characteristics emerging as common factors that account for these positive results. This theoretical article, based on a narrative review of national and international literature on the effectiveness of psychotherapies and existentialist clinical psychology, aims to discuss the role of patients in understanding the efficacy of existential psychotherapy. Specifically, it addresses patients’ readiness for change and their capacity to construct new life perspectives, their active engagement in the clinical process, the role of social support networks, and the sociological implications that unfold from the broader context—contributing to reflections on process evaluation within this approach.

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Author Biographies

Raquel Wzorek, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Master's degree holder from the Graduate Program in Psychology at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, in the area of Health and Psychological Development, within the line of Psychosocial Care: Clinical, Prevention, and Health Promotion. Specialized in Sartrean Existentialist Psychology from the University of Southern Santa Catarina (2019).

Zuleica Pretto, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Center for Philosophy and Human Sciences (CFH) of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). Psychologist (2000), Master (2003), and PhD (2015) in Psychology from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). Coordinator of the Research Center for Psychosocial Care Clinic (PSICLIN). Coordinator of the Psychological Care Service (SAPSI/UFSC). Vice-leader of the CNPq Research Group - Psychosocial Care Clinic and Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs (PSICLIN). Member of the LIEPPFEX Research Group - Interinstitutional Laboratory of Studies and Research in Psychology, Phenomenology, and Existentialism. Member of the National Association of the Network of Researchers on Brazilian Youth (REDEJUBRA). Specialist in the work of the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, with several studies on psychology and existentialist clinic.

Daniela Ribeiro Schneider, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Retired Full Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), serving as a voluntary advisor in the Graduate Program in Psychology - PPGP (Master's and Doctorate). Currently undergoing a postdoctoral fellowship in the PPGP at UFSC (2024–2026). Holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (UFSC, 1987), a Master's degree in Education (UFSC, 1993), a PhD in Psychology (PUC/SP, 2002), and Postdoctoral studies in Prevention Science (University of Valencia - Spain, 2012; University of Miami - USA, 2019; and Complutense University of Madrid - Spain, 2025). Specialist in the work of the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, with several studies on psychology and existentialist clinic. Coordinator of the CNPq Research Group "Psychosocial Care Clinic and Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs". Coordinator of the online Specialization Course in Existentialist Psychology at UNICESUSC. Researcher at PSICLIN/UFSC. Member of the Drugs and Society Working Group of ANPPEP. Member of the Brazilian Association for Research in Health Prevention and Promotion (BRAPEP). CNPq Research Productivity Fellow (Level 2). Works as a cultural producer, elaborating projects and organizing events. Coordinator of the Culture Point at the Baiacu de Alguém Cultural Association, which develops sociocultural and health promotion projects in Florianópolis.

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Published

2026-02-19

How to Cite

Wzorek, R., Pretto, Z., & Schneider, D. R. (2026). Contributions to the evaluation of the existential psychotherapeutic process from the patients’ perspective. Revista Subjetividades, 26(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.5020/23590777.rs.v26i1.e15147

Issue

Section

Theoretical Studies