A Revolution in Psychotherapy

 Psychotherapy has always helped people.  Hundreds of studies show that the average person who completes psychotherapy is better off than 80% of the people who do not.  However, these results do not count the number of people who do not complete therapy.  Up to 47% of people only attend one session, or drop out early.

 A revolution is underway, and I am very excited to be part of it.  Multiple RCT’s show that using a process called Feedback Improved Therapy (F.I.T.) increases the effectiveness of psychotherapy by 120% to 378%.  It also reduces the chance of deterioration by 1/3.  The approach is simple.  Essentially, feedback improves performance.  Whether in sports, psychotherapy, or any other skill, if you receive objective feedback on your performance, it automatically improves.

 I am now using the same process of getting objective feedback.  It consists of the client taking a brief measure of psychological distress in each session.  We also measure the alliance, or sense of teamwork between the client and myself.  We track what change is happening, and discuss if something needs to be fine-tuned in the therapy sessions.  It is this process of getting feedback that improves the effectiveness of psychotherapy so markedly. 

 Another new benefit for my clients is that they can access for free, the largest internet portal on mental health.  There are over 140 articles, 27 assessments, secure online journaling, videos, interactive workshops, forums, and other resources.  This enhances client’s learning about how to improve their mental and physical health.  I am very pleased to be the first in our region to be offering this level of resources to their clients, and doubling my effectiveness through FIT. 

 You or your patients are very welcome to email me  with any questions.

 Regards,

 Dr. Don Russell, Ed.D.