LeanRainMakingMachine,

The PPT study did compare PPT to TAU “treatment as usual” which was represented by an eclectic and integrative therapy. As described in my summary, PPT had superior outcomes compared to traditional therapy. I did not come across a direct comparison of PPT to cognitive therapy. In a future article, I will be writing about how positive psychology is being used to enhance cognitive behavioral therapy. Laura

Thanks for your feedback, Todd.

On the Institute’s research page, they state, “the client view of the presenting complaint, potential solutions, and ideas about the change process form a ‘theory of change’ that can be used as the basis for determining, which approach, by whom, would be the most effective for this person, with that specific problem, under this particular set of circumstances. This same research shows that the probability for success is greater when the treatment offered fits with or is complementary to the client’s theory.”

It sounds like if the therapist’s approach is consistent with the client’s “theory of change” and expectations about therapy, then the the client will have a more positive view of the therapist’s efficacy, thereby leading to more positive treatment outcomes.

I sent an e-mail to the Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change to get more clarification on your question. I will post a reply when I hear.

Laura

Interesting question. But isn’t a client’s perception largely a client factor? There are all sorts of prior perceptions and the interpretations that the client puts on them that shape what he or she will experience with the current therapist?

Welcomd Laura! It’s so good to have new voices from different perspectives join in.

Kathryn

Quick thought. From my reading of the literature, there is only one client trait (not counting disorders) that consistently predicts tx outcomes. That is, the clients’ perception of the therapists’ efficacy. Speaks volumes about the importance of psychoeducation and clearly defining the parameters of what is going to be done and what the data say and don’t say (no false expectations). So I am a bit baffled by this single finding by the Institute of Change that 87% of the variance in tx change is due to client factors. Can you flesh this finding out?

thanks,
Todd

That’s why I love research so much. Interventions like your three examples can be shown and compared using the randomized control gold-standard. Love it. Thank you.

Senia