[18] Most evaluative studies of psychotherapy have attempted in some way to take into account the judgment of clients. One study in particular, however, has made clients' evaluations of their experiences in therapy its main focus, in fact, for a book-length treatment. That is Hans H. Strupp, Ronald E. Fox, and Ken Lessler, _Patients View Their Psychotherapy_ (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press, 1969). Some of the patient evaluations included here are based on transcripts from the Strupp-Fox-Lessler study; they have been paraphrased and condensed for use here. After being in therapy, I have learned to accept myself more easily and believe that many of the people whose opinions about me matter to me also accept me for what I am. I have come to realize that what I have in my life, in the way of my marriage, my children, my work is what I have decided to settle with. It is easier and more satisfying for me to do this than always to be fighting the present and straining for things I haven't got. I still have problems with my own self-confidence. I accept some volunteer work at my church, in spite of these feelings of self-doubt, believing that I really am mentally capable and feeling that I can, in time, and with patience, overcome my feelings of inadequacy. {278} I now love my daughter without qualifications. I have much less hostility toward my mother. I'm much less afraid now to feel unpleasant emotions and feel less guilt than I did. I'm not afraid to stand up for myself and say what I feel. I feel more patient now with myself and with others. I lose my temper much less often. I enjoy life much more, feel more content and happy over small things. I'm much more aware now of the feelings of others. I didn't like being around people. Now I actually can enjoy their company. Even parties do not make me nervous like they used to. I am less inclined to condemn others when they are not like me, and I find myself offering suggestions and advice less frequently. The greatest change that therapy has brought me has been to help me get my confidence again. I have gone through periods of grief three times since I left therapy, when members of my family have died. I do not feel I could have maintained a sense of balance during these times if I had not had the experience of therapy. I feel I am better able to trust my judgment now and can cope with living more effectively. I feel better about myself, though I do often still feel a sense of guilt. My problems [having to do with a strong father who has condemned the client because of her style of living and has cut off relations with her] are still with me, but I feel that I have learned to face life more squarely and head-on without so much fear. I'm sure that therapy was the most important part of this change.