Revisiting Grounded Therapy Discussing the Idea of a Modified Application of Grounded Theory as a Tool for Self-Reflection in Therapeutic Processes

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Published: Jun 28, 2025
Keywords:
grounded therapy, grounded theory, self-reflection, qualitative methods, psychoanalysis, therapeutic processes, mental health

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Dr. Annika Barzen
TU Chemnitz
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0457-9133

Abstract

Grounded Therapy is a conceptual model that applies qualitative analysis methods from Grounded Theory Methodology to identify and understand unconscious patterns that may be useful in psychotherapy settings. The approach involves collecting data such as conversation transcripts and journal entries, which are then collaboratively coded with the client in the therapeutic context. This process aims to decipher emotional conflicts or behavioral patterns, fostering the client’s self-reflection and uncovering unconscious dynamics that can inform therapeutic interventions. 


The intervention method adopts a structured yet participatory approach, empowering clients to take an active role in their therapy. In the future, AI-powered tools could support this process by facilitating audio recording and transcription. Grounded Therapy offers new perspectives for understanding and addressing psychological conflicts while strengthening the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client. 

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How to Cite
Barzen, A. (2025). Revisiting Grounded Therapy: Discussing the Idea of a Modified Application of Grounded Theory as a Tool for Self-Reflection in Therapeutic Processes. Grounded Theory Review, 24(1), 99–133. Retrieved from https://groundedtheoryreview.org/index.php/gtr/article/view/284
Issue
Vol. 24 No. 1 (2025)
Section
Research Articles

The Grounded Theory Review is an open-access journal, which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles in this journal without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the international Budapest Open Access Initiative (BOAI) definition of open access.

Author Biography

Dr. Annika Barzen, TU Chemnitz

Dr. Annika Barzen is a social scientist and works as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Sociology at the Technical University of Chemnitz, focusing on qualitative research and teaching. Her current research centers on conspiracy theories, such as their construction in digital spaces or within scientific discourse. She has conducted several research projects using Grounded Theory to explore complex societal phenomena, further strengthening her expertise in qualitative methodologies. After completing her studies in Educational Sciences and Social Sciences with a focus on Innovation Research at TU Dortmund University, she obtained her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Cologne. Her dissertation explores children's perspectives on experiences in animal-assisted interventions and was supported by an international scholarship.

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