Alternative advice and counsel in psychotherapy

A 3-mo treatment program was undertaken by 30 patients attending 2 psychiatric outpatient clinics. 15 Ss were administered short-term insight-oriented therapy. 15 were administered behavior therapy, and 12 control Ss received no treatment. A questionnaire on alternative counsel (sought, offered, and accepted) was completed by all Ss at both the start and conclusion of the study. Pre-post outcome change was also measured. Both treatment groups obtained more alternative counsel or informal assistance in comparison with control Ss; additionally, Ss in the behavior therapy group used more outside counsel than those in the insight-oriented group did. Methodological and clinical interpretations are examined. (25 ref)