Therapist qualities related to outcome with exposure in vivo in neurotic patients

A retrospective evaluation of certain therapist qualities relative to therapeutic change was conducted on 36 phobic and obsessive-compulsive patients who were treated with flooding, a form of in vivo exposure. Most variables concerning the therapist's style of conducting the treatment are significantly related to outcome. It is suggested that a long-term interaction effect may operate between the therapist's style and exposure in vivo. The need is noted for the further evaluation of variables related to patient-therapist compatibility and the therapist's training and experience.