Dear Forough,

I wonder if these links will interest:

• The Relationship Between Therapist–Client Modality Similarity and Psychotherapy Outcome
• The therapist effect

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3330484/

http://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/02/therapist.aspx

Dea Forough! Current therapy research shows that the personality of the therapist and that you have a scheme to follow are the two most important variables for a succesful therapy outcome. Kind regards

The Importance of Identifying and Understanding Therapist Schema in Cognitive Therapy Training and Supervision. By Haarhoff, Beverly A.

New Zealand Journal of Psychology, Vol 35(3), Nov 2006, 126-131.

The cognitive therapist's ability to identify, reflect upon, and constructively utilize, the content of his or her beliefs, assumptions, emotions, and behaviours which may be triggered by the interpersonal process occurring in the therapeutic relationship, is increasingly seen as an important part of a successful treatment outcome in cognitive therapy (Safran & Segal, 1996). Identifying "therapist schema" (Leahy 2001) is one mechanism which can be used in training and supervision to facilitate understanding more about how these factors may impact on therapy. Four groups of Cognitive Therapy trainees completed the "Therapists' Schema Questionnaire" (Leahy, 2001). A clear pattern emerged which showed the therapist schema; "demanding standards", "special superior person", and "excessive self-sacrifice" to be the most common schema identified in all four groups. This paper highlights some of the potential therapy interfering effects of therapist schema using the schema listed above. Practical suggestions consistent with the cognitive therapy model are proposed as useful supervision strategies with which to help trainees identify and understand their schema, in the context of the therapeutic relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Developing Therapeutic Alliances: Matching Theory to Client Variables doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/e635102013-052

By Morris, Jill

International Family Therapy Association's 21st World Family Therapy Congress, Orlando, Florida, February 20-23, 2013: Book of Abstracts; Feb 20-23, 2013; 52 [International Family Therapy Association].

Common factors research suggests that the variance in the outcomes in psychotherapy is attributed to 1) client and external factors, 2) client-therapist rapport, 3) theoretical model, and 4) hope and expectancy. This lecture addresses the research supporting the notion of client-therapist rapport as a fundamental component to the successful outcome of psychotherapy. The presenter further suggests that the therapist is most able to influence the client-therapist alliance, but may also guide the process toward greater hope and expectancy of a successful outcome through the careful choice of model or combination of models. To develop and maintain this rapport, the family therapist needs to adjust his or her theory to one that can mesh with the clients' informal theories of symptom development and meaningful change. An "either/or" approach can be restrictive to both family therapist and the clients. An atheoretical approach can be confusing and disorganized. Instead, clinicians may use an inclusive "both/and" approach when choosing theories and techniques to guide the therapeutic process. Two widely different case examples demonstrate how a multi-theoretical approach can be applied to enhance the development and maintenance of a therapeutic alliance with individuals and families. The presenter will describe the use of divergent, and sometimes conflicting, theories and techniques in each case to connect with the clients, thus guiding the psychotherapy process to a successful outcome. The presenter will emphasize the importance of the clients' perceptions of the therapist as nonjudgmental, empathic, and trustworthy in helping patients develop alternatives to their either/or frames. Given the variance which emerges in clinical work, the lecture will highlight the family therapist's need to obtain a wide breadth of theoretical knowledge and technical skills in order to effectively adapt to an integrative approach. (PsycEXTRA Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)

Dear my colleagues

Thanks so much for your useful helps.