What 'meaning-making' in therapy really means

A brief summary of the factors that influence the meaning-making process in therapy.

Michael Briggs

10/16/20242 min read

a man sitting on a couch
a man sitting on a couch

It is fast becoming the next therapy cliché term, but 'making meaning' is an important concept for those seeking therapy, and those in the midst of their journey, to understand.

As is widely accepted in therapy circles, the therapeutic relationship largely determines the success rate of therapy. If an individual feels safe in the company of their therapist, they become more active in the process and tend to reveal, examine and challenge themselves more. In other words, they ‘make’ something of their experience, and do so with the guidance of their therapist.

But is ‘making sense’ of something the same as ‘making meaning’?

Not quite. Where ‘making sense’ tends to relate to a achieving a basic ‘understanding’ of a message, ‘making meaning’ relates to message interpretation which tends to go a little further. At the very heart of the ‘meaning making’ process (inside and outside the therapy room) is message interpretation.

How individuals understand and interpret their experiences during therapy often involves reflecting on personal stories, identifying patterns in their thoughts and behaviours, increasing awareness of body’s response, and finding new perspectives. Individual, sociocultural, and contextual factors such as personality, sex and gender, and equivocation (clarity of language) each influence interpretation. As the International Journal of Listening (Edwards, 2011) highlights, even non-verbal cues and the specific demands of the interaction influence how messages are received and interpreted.

Depending on which modality therapists and clients agree to adopt, the process typically starts by guiding clients to connect their past experiences with their current issues, allowing them to reframe their problems and develop a sense of purpose or clarity. This process can people make sense of their lives, leading to personal growth and improved mental well-being.

Factors that influence the meaning-making process in therapy:

  • Therapeutic Relationship: A strong, trusting relationship between the therapist and client can facilitate open communication and deeper exploration of personal issues.

  • Client’s Personal History: Past experiences, including family background, previous trauma, and significant life events, shape how individuals interpret their current struggles.

  • Therapeutic Techniques: Different therapeutic approaches (e.g., cognitive-behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy) offer various methods for exploring and understanding meaning.

  • Cultural and Social Context: Cultural beliefs, values, and social environments influence how individuals perceive their problems and what solutions they consider valid.

  • Client’s Cognitive and Emotional Skills: An individual's ability to reflect, analyse, and process emotions impacts how effectively they can make sense of their experiences.

  • Therapist’s Skills and Approach: The therapist’s ability to empathize, question, and provide feedback can guide clients in exploring and redefining their meanings.

  • Client’s Motivation and Openness: A client’s willingness to engage in self-reflection and consider new perspectives is crucial for meaning-making.

These factors interact in complex ways, influencing how individuals derive meaning from their therapy experiences.

Sources:

Edwards, R. (2011). Listening and Message Interpretation. International Journal of Listening, 25(1–2), 47–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/10904018.2011.536471