This article presents a pragmatic view of thematic analysis as a qualitative research method. Ethnographic interviews are a common way to collect data, and once data is gathered, researchers must decide how to analyze it. Thematic analysis is one method used to analyze informants' talk about their experiences. Although thematic analysis has been described in the literature, there is insufficient information on the practical process of conducting it. This article outlines the procedure for performing a thematic analysis. The ethnographic interview is a commonly used method in research-clinical settings. From the conversations that take place in therapy sessions or those encouraged for research, ideas emerge that can be better understood through thematic analysis. Thematic analysis focuses on identifiable themes and patterns of living and/or behavior. The first step is to collect data, such as audiotapes of sessions or interviews. From transcribed conversations, patterns of experiences can be listed, often derived from direct quotes or paraphrasing common ideas. For example, a family interview about their experience with a juvenile justice system revealed patterns such as the process of arrest and the attitudes of family members toward the process. The next step is to identify all data that relate to the already classified patterns. These patterns are then expanded upon, with all relevant data placed under the corresponding pattern. Sub-themes are then combined and cataloged into broader themes. Themes are defined as units derived from patterns such as conversation topics, vocabulary, recurring activities, meanings, feelings, or folk sayings and proverbs. Themes are identified by bringing together components or fragments of ideas or experiences that are meaningful when viewed together. When gathering sub-themes, it is easy to see a pattern emerging. When patterns emerge, it is best to obtain feedback from the informants. This can be done during the interview or by asking informants to provide feedback from transcribed conversations. The next step is to build a valid argument for choosing the themes by referring to the literature. Once themes have been collected and the literature studied, the researcher is ready to formulate theme statements to develop a story line. A developed story line helps the reader to understand the process, understanding, and motivation of the interviewer.This article presents a pragmatic view of thematic analysis as a qualitative research method. Ethnographic interviews are a common way to collect data, and once data is gathered, researchers must decide how to analyze it. Thematic analysis is one method used to analyze informants' talk about their experiences. Although thematic analysis has been described in the literature, there is insufficient information on the practical process of conducting it. This article outlines the procedure for performing a thematic analysis. The ethnographic interview is a commonly used method in research-clinical settings. From the conversations that take place in therapy sessions or those encouraged for research, ideas emerge that can be better understood through thematic analysis. Thematic analysis focuses on identifiable themes and patterns of living and/or behavior. The first step is to collect data, such as audiotapes of sessions or interviews. From transcribed conversations, patterns of experiences can be listed, often derived from direct quotes or paraphrasing common ideas. For example, a family interview about their experience with a juvenile justice system revealed patterns such as the process of arrest and the attitudes of family members toward the process. The next step is to identify all data that relate to the already classified patterns. These patterns are then expanded upon, with all relevant data placed under the corresponding pattern. Sub-themes are then combined and cataloged into broader themes. Themes are defined as units derived from patterns such as conversation topics, vocabulary, recurring activities, meanings, feelings, or folk sayings and proverbs. Themes are identified by bringing together components or fragments of ideas or experiences that are meaningful when viewed together. When gathering sub-themes, it is easy to see a pattern emerging. When patterns emerge, it is best to obtain feedback from the informants. This can be done during the interview or by asking informants to provide feedback from transcribed conversations. The next step is to build a valid argument for choosing the themes by referring to the literature. Once themes have been collected and the literature studied, the researcher is ready to formulate theme statements to develop a story line. A developed story line helps the reader to understand the process, understanding, and motivation of the interviewer.