Recovery Plus: reclaiming lives
14 April/May 2017 "A strong working relationship between
therapist and client is one of the strongest and
most robust predictors of treatment success"
– strengthen yours with this research.
http://findings.org.uk/PHP/dl.php?file=Norcross_JC_7.
cab&s=db&sf=mx. See also this later (2014) practiceoriented
interpretation from same lead author,
drawing on the task force’s work.
Therapists who form good therapeutic
relationships have better outcomes (2011). This
American Psychological Association task force
review found that, in substance use treatment
and psychosocial therapy generally, a strong
working relationship between therapist and
client is “one of the strongest and most robust
predictors of treatment success” ~ http://findings.
org.uk/PHP/dl.php?file=Horvath_AO_2.cab&s=db&sf=mx.
Advanced analysis (2012) confirmed that some
therapists consistently develop stronger
relationships and have better outcomes.
Adapt to the client (2011). The APA task force
also judged that adapting psychotherapy to
the client’s reactance/resistance, preferences,
culture, and religion/spirituality demonstrably
improves effectiveness ~ http://findings.org.uk/PHP/
dl.php?file=Norcross_JC_5.cab&s=db&sf=mx.
Some clients like to lead, others to be
led (2006). How directive the
therapist is can be one of the
strongest and most consistent
influences on the outcomes of
therapy. There is no single right
degree of directiveness;
it all depends on how
the client reacts ~
http://findings.org.uk/
docs/Ashton_M_35.
pdf?s=db&r=&sf=mx.
Addiction counselling competencies (the US
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, 2008) – includes competencies
associated with positive outcomes and the
knowledge, skills, and attitudes all substance use
counsellors should have ~ https://store.samhsa.gov/
product/TAP-21-Addiction-Counseling-Competencies/
SMA15-4171.
What makes a good group therapist? (SAMHSA,
2005). US consensus guidance on the different
types of groups, how to organise and lead them,
desirable staff attributes, and staff training and
supervision ~ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/
NBK64220.
What makes a good case manager? (SAMHSA,
1998). US consensus guidance including the staff
skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to fulfil
the key case management role orchestrating
the range of services often needed to promote
lasting full recovery ~ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
books/NBK64863.
