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A test of the phase model of psychotherapy change
Anthony S Joyce1, John Ogrodniczuk, William E Piper
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, 8440 112 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7. ajoyce@ualberta.ca
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.