Using Patient Feedback in Psychotherapy and Training

This chapter examines the role of Progress Monitoring (PM) tools in psychotherapy, emphasizing their empirical support and practical applications. PM involves the routine collection and feedback of patient-reported outcome measures to therapists. This process enhances clinical decision-making and treatment adjustments, potentially preventing poor outcomes and improving overall therapy effectiveness. Research demonstrates that therapists using PM exhibit reduced rates of patient deterioration and enhanced treatment outcomes, particularly for patients not on track. Various PM tools, such as the Outcome Questionnaire System (OQ-System) and the Partners for Change Outcome Management System (PCOMS), are discussed, highlighting their functionalities and benefits. PM’s integration into evidence-based practice, its role in enhancing therapeutic alliances, and its alignment with contemporary psychotherapy training and research trends are also explored. The chapter underscores the importance of incorporating PM into routine clinical practice and supervision to foster better patient outcomes and facilitate therapist development.