A test of the phase model of psychotherapy change.

OBJECTIVE

A comparative trial of 2 forms (interpretive and supportive) of short-term, time-limited individual (STI) therapy provided data that were used to test the propositions of the Howard and others phase model of psychotherapy change.

METHOD: Patients completed the Integra Outpatient Tracking Assessment Form on 5 occasions during the 20-session treatments. The measure assesses 3 dimensions: subjective well-being, current symptoms, and current life dysfunction. Howard and others regard these as dimensions that represent successive phases in the therapy change process (that is, well-being improves first, followed by resolution of symptoms, and finally by change in long-standing life dysfunction). We conducted a test of their model, using their approach to data analysis.

RESULTS

The comparative trial data provided no support for the phase model.

CONCLUSIONS

Possible explanations for the absence of confirmatory findings are considered.