Homework as a driver of change in psychotherapy

The utilization of Between-Session Homework (BSH) holds a longstanding tradition in the field of psychotherapy. Significantly, it serves as a pivotal catalyst for change within behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapies, and has also garnered endorsement within psychodynamic and humanistic-experiential therapies. While our current conceptualization of BSH is characterized by assimilation and integration, diversity prevails in how BSH is incorporated into the treatment plan, spanning various therapy stages, thus necessitating a customized therapist-client interpersonal dynamic. Far from being a panacea, the employment of BSH emerges as a highly sophisticated and intricate clinical methodology, demanding a high degree of therapist proficiency and competence to facilitate client engagement.

In this introductory paper, we present an issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session that exemplifies the diverse modalities through which BSH can be integrated into clinical practice across various client demographics and within distinct psychotherapeutic paradigms. We place specific emphasis on the pivotal role of BSH and its interplay with proposed mechanisms of change throughout the course of treatment.

Initially, we provide an overarching view of the subject and expound on empirical research substantiating the efficacy of BSH in psychotherapy. Subsequently, we delve into strategies for adeptly integrating and monitoring BSH within clinical practice.

Our primary objectives encompass affording readers a more lucid comprehension of (1) the content and nature of homework; (2) the influence of BSH on treatment outcomes; and (3) the ways through which therapists can foster client engagement with BSH. Finally, we introduce the six papers comprising this issue.