Research on Therapist Techniques in Brief Individual Therapy

Abstract

Research on therapist techniques (defined as verbal response modes) in brief individual therapy is reviewed in terms of its implications for practice Four areas are covered: (a) the overall effectiveness of therapist techniques; (b) the effectiveness of the specific therapist techniques of interpretation and self-disclosure; (c) factors moderating the effects of therapist techniques such as individual differences between clients, individual differences between therapists, and the context within therapy; and (d) the importance of therapist and client covert processes. Several conclusions are drawn: (a) which therapist techniques are used in therapy does make a difference; with interpretation and self-disclosure being particularly helpful; (b) therapists should be aware of their intentions in using different interventions; (c) client type and client state seem to predict the effectiveness of different techniques; (d) clients often hide negative reactions; and (e) when therapists are aware of negative client reactions, there may be negative effects on the therapy.