L’efficacité de la thérapie est-elle modulée par la relation thérapeutique en fonction du motif de consultation ?

Abstract

ObjectiveThe main objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of brief therapy according to the reason for consultation. MethodWe analyzed 110 completed protocols and our results show that the vast majority of patients are satisfied with brief therapy, regardless of the reason for their consultation (relational suffering, pathology-related suffering, or suffering related to a professional or school context) and regardless of whether it is implemented for the benefit of a child or an adult. We evaluate the medium-term effects (three months) of the brief therapy by distinguishing between therapies implemented in the interest of an adult or a child and taking into account the reason for consultation (relational suffering, linked to a pathology, or linked to a professional or school context). ResultsIn our sample, 66.7% of the people reported they were very satisfied with the therapy. In total, 3.7% were not satisfied and 9.6% had no opinion. Patients reported that they felt that their difficulty was significantly less three months after the end of therapy, compared to their level of difficulty at the moment of the therapy's completion. There were significant and positive correlations between satisfaction with therapy and the four relational aspects we measured. DiscussionThe results we obtained postulate that the vast majority of patients are satisfied with brief therapy, regardless of the reason for their consultation (relational suffering, pathological suffering, or suffering related to a professional or school context) or the person for whom the therapy is implemented (child or adult). The change generated by brief therapy is maintained over time (after three months), and grows over time, to the point that the problem is described by the patients as significantly more manageable three months after the end of the therapy, compared to the moment of the therapy's completion. Finally, the relational aspects of therapy that we assessed play a major role in the outcome of therapy for all patients, regardless of the reasons for consultation or the person for whom therapy is implemented. Indeed, the more positive the relational aspects are, the more the patient continues to apply the advice given by the therapist, comes back to consult when needed, or decreases the number of relapses. ConclusionBrief and strategic therapy is effective in the short and medium term, regardless of the reason for consultation. Relational aspects play a major role in the effectiveness of BST.