A greater understanding of psychological treatment can be achieved through an analysis of the language used by those participating in such treatment. Several conceptual aids are needed: (1) a theory about how language conveys meaning; (2) a model of language in psychological treatment; (3) reliable units of measure; and (4) since psychological…

Referral and initiation of psychotherapy for children and adolescents are decisions most frequently made by others. To investigate the nature of minors' participation in treatment decision making and the relationship between such participation and motivation, adjustment, and outcomes, the behaviors and attitudes of 42 youths (32 male, 10 female,…

After nearly a decade of empirical studies on the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy, Beck's cognitive/behavioral therapy apparently remains the most effective psychotherapy for depression. However, because of the complexity and the mixture of cognitive and behavioral modification in Beck's therapy it is impossible to test Beck's…

One model of successful time-limited psychotherapy characterizes the therapy as a movement through three interactional stages: the early rapport attainment stage, the middle conflict stage, and the final resolution stage. According to this model, these stages are indicated by the relative presence of communicational harmony. To examine the…

Successful outcome in psychotherapy depends, in part, on clients' preconceptions and expectations. Research has shown that inaccurate expectations are more prevalent among lower socioeconomic status clients, who also represent the majority of substance abusers in community treatment programs. To investigate the effect of general and specific…

Data previously reported (Garfield, 1978) on the number of clients/patients appearing at psychotherapy sessions from intake to termination did not identify the attritional features of service delivery systems. These earlier studies were retabulated and new data were accumulated from several contemporary sources: a university counseling center, an…