Assessment of patients for psychotherapy

Factors in the patient which have been commonly cited by therapists as relevant in assessment for psychotherapy are examined as well as the research done on them. These factors are discussed under four categories: (a) factors related to the illness, (b) personal factors related to the treatment, (c) personal factors not directly associated with the illness and (d) current life circumstances. Research on methods of assessing patient suitability is discussed together with an account of the reasons for the rather disappointing contribution of systematic research.