Responding to Key Process Markers as a Focus of Psychotherapy Training and Practice

Authors

  • James F. Boswell Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
  • Michael J. Constantino Orcid
    Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
  • Averi N. Gaines Orcid
    Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
  • Ashleigh E. Smith Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA

Abstract

Historically, evidence-based psychotherapy training has favored the standardized application of discrete treatment packages, with key outcomes being the therapist’s adherence to and competent delivery of theory-prescribed ingredients. However, this model often fails to align with the priorities and values of clinicians, and research casts doubt on the notion that a therapist’s faithful application of treatment protocols is a valid index of clinical expertise. Considering this, training and practice models that emphasize evidence-based clinician flexibility and patient-centered tailoring of interventions are receiving increased attention. In this article, we outline one such model informed by the context-responsive psychotherapy integration (CRPI) framework. Consistent with CRPI principles, we describe several “if this/then try that” marker-response sequences that could become a centerpiece of a more nuanced, clinically representative, and evidence-based psychotherapy training paradigm. Finally, we offer several recommendations for future work on CRPI.