Differences in psychotherapy preferences between psychotherapy trainees and laypeople. (3rd April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heinze, Peter Eric; Weck, Florian; Hahn, Daniela; Kühne, Franziska
• Is Part Of: Psychotherapy research. Volume 33:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: 374
• Page End: 386
• Publication Date: 2023-04-03
• Subjects: psychotherapy process -- psychotherapy training -- activity preference -- C-NIP -- assessment; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Research -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychothérapie -- Périodiques; Psychothérapie -- Recherche -- Périodiques; 616.891405
• DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2022.2098076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-3307

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: : Despite increasing research on psychotherapy preferences, the preferences of psychotherapy trainees are largely unknown. Moreover, differences in preferences between trainees and their patients could (a) hinder symptom improvement and therapy success for patients and (b) represent significant obstacles in the early career and development of future therapists. Method: : We compared the preferences of n = 466 psychotherapy trainees to those of n = 969 laypersons using the Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences. Moreover, we compared preferences between trainees in cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic trainees. Results: : We found significant differences between both samples in 13 of 18 items, and three of four subscales. Psychotherapy trainees preferred less therapist directiveness ( d = 0.58), more emotional intensity ( d = 0.74), as well as more focused challenge ( d = 0.35) than laypeople. CBT trainees preferred more therapist directiveness ( d = 2.00), less emotional intensity ( d = 0.51), more present orientation ( d = 0.76) and more focused challenge ( d = 0.33) than trainees in psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapy. Conclusion: : Overall, the results underline the importance of implementing preference assessment and discussion during psychotherapy training. Moreover, therapists of different orientations seem to cover a large range of preferences for patients, in order to choose the right fit.