We assessed the psychometric properties of the visual analog scale (VAS) form of the Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) using item response theory (IRT) with a sample of 2,109 Canadian counseling clients. Findings indicate that the ORS was unidimensional and that the equal-interval assumption was not tenable for the VAS.

Background and scope: Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a strengths-based therapeutic approach, emphasizing the resources that people possess and how these can be applied to a positive change process. The current study provides a systematic review of the SFBT evidence base and a critical evaluation of the use and application of SFBT in…

Objective: We review all available controlled outcome studies of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) to evaluate evidence of its effectiveness. Method: Forty-three studies were located and key data abstracted on problem, setting, SFBT intervention, design characteristics, and outcomes. Results: Thirty-two (74%) of the studies reported…

Objective: A substantial number of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) do not respond to treatment, and recurrence rates remain high. The purpose of this study was to examine a history of severe childhood abuse as a moderator of response following a 16-week acute treatment trial, and of recurrence over a 12-month follow-up. Method:…

Examined memorability, impact, and possible epistemic and motivational functions of therapists' intentional use of therapeutic metaphor in four dyads of experiential psychotherapy. Clients recalled metaphors approximately two-thirds of time, especially when metaphors were developed collaboratively and repetitively. Clients rated therapy sessions…

A meta-analysis of 28 studies was conducted to review the effectiveness of Beck's cognitive therapy for depression, and to compare cognitive therapy with other modes of therapy. Results documented a greater degree of change for cognitive therapy compared with a waiting list or no-treatment control, pharmacotherapy, behavior therapy, and other…

Examines the relation between therapist verbal response mode and client good moments to provide information about the process of a short-term dynamic psychotherapy (STDP). Analyses revealed a significant association between therapist verbal responses and the subsequent occurrence of good client moments. (Contains 60 references and 4 tables.) (GCP)

Conducted followup to treatment study in which 121 unipolar depressed outpatients were treated by either nondirective psychotherapy, behavior therapy, pharmacotherapy, or relaxation therapy. Behavior therapy patients alone were significantly improved in areas of mood, personal productivity, and social activity, relative to treatment control…