PSYCHOTHERAPY ENGAGERS VERSUS NON-ENGAGERS

Furthermore, the results of Elliot et al. (1987) indicated that these six modes did
discriminate among the seven diverse therapeutic approaches – each of the seven
therapists showed a unique pattern of response modes that differed significantly from the
other therapists. Brady (a behavior therapist) used more information and advisement but
less reflection, interpretation, and confrontation compared to the other therapists.
Progroff also used more information but less advisement and confrontation compared to
the other therapists. Tanney (gestalt/dynamic therapist) used more information, self-
disclosure, and questions, and avoided using reflections and interpretations, compared to
the other therapists. Rogers used more reflection than any other therapist. Hill had
relatively high use of interpretation and reflection which is consistent with her bridging
of the relationship and dynamic therapy traditions. Ellis had a uniquely high use of
reassurance and confrontation but gave less information and self-disclosures. Hobson did
not use any particular response mode more often, but did use less information compared
to the other therapists.
Limitations of the Elliott et al. (1987) study includes its limited sample size of
seven therapy sessions, and non-standardized use of coauthors as raters (the latter three
systems used a coauthor as a rater but the first three systems used mainly undergraduate
student raters, which may affect how accurately the raters used the system). In addition,
only one client per therapist was used, and the clients were not comparable in age,
gender, and presenting problem(s).
Hill et al. (1988) studied the effects of counselor response modes in brief
psychotherapy. 8 therapists (4 male, 4 female) served as counselors for this study; their
ages ranged from 34 to 78 years, and they had 5 to 42 years of experience. Clients were
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