What is often an expected outcome of employing catharsis in therapy sessions?

Employing catharsis in therapy sessions primarily aims to facilitate emotional release and relief for the client. Catharsis involves expressing and purging pent-up emotions, which can lead to a sense of liberation and relief from psychological distress. This process allows clients to confront and process feelings that they may have suppressed, leading to a release of tension and the alleviation of emotional burdens.

The practice of catharsis is often linked to the therapeutic process where clients are encouraged to express their emotions freely, which can result in a significant emotional breakthrough. This release can provide individuals with a clearer perspective on their feelings, potentially resulting in increased coping capacity and resilience.

While understanding family roles, focusing on future goals, and deepening trust between client and therapist can occur as therapeutic benefits, they are not the primary or direct outcomes associated with the concept of catharsis. The primary focus of cathartic practices is to enable clients to experience and express intense emotions, which can lead directly to feelings of relief and newfound emotional clarity.