The future of psychotherapy: A Delphi poll

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

10-1-1982

Abstract

Predicted psychotherapy trends in the next decade by using the Delphi poll. 36 therapists and researchers completed a 100-item questionnaire assessing possible changes in therapeutic interventions, psychotherapists, therapy modalities, theoretical orientations, research findings, and professional issues. Results indicate that therapy will become more cognitive behavioral, present centered, problem specific, and briefer; cathartic, aversive, and dynamic approaches are expected to decrease. Family and marital therapy are predicted to markedly increase; long-term individual modalities are expected to markedly decrease. Optimistic forecasts include an increase in women and minority therapists, accelerated services to underserved populations, coverage under national health insurance, and standard implementation of peer review. One emerging pattern suggests that psychotherapists' efforts at change will become more similar to self-change processes that are used by people in their natural environment. The impermanent nature of psychotherapy and the deleterious consequences of this impermanent condition are discussed. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1982 American Psychological Association.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

Volume

13

Issue

5

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