Recent Developments in Brief Psychotherapy

The clinical effectiveness and many of the therapeutic mechanisms of brief psychotherapy have been validated through research studies in recent years, as indicated in this review of developments in the psychodynamic and interpersonal brief therapies. However, the literature shows considerable variation in methods for establishing time limits and in exclusion criteria. In a major shift in therapeutic practice, interpersonal rather than intrapsychic concepts are used to identify the focus of therapy, and systematic techniques for defining the therapeutic focus have been developed. The therapeutic alliance and its relation to outcome also have received substantial attention. Trends in service delivery clearly indicate increasing emphasis on brief psychotherapy, which must be conceptualized as a specific modality, not just as long-term therapy compressed.