1. Why is it important to query multiple sources when investigating the effectiveness of psychotherapy? How might a client’s opinion be biased? How might a psychologist’s opinion be biased? How might an outside party, such as a managed care company, be biased?

2. Research has revealed a list of “common factors” inherent within virtually all schools of psychotherapeutic intervention. In addition to the therapeutic alliance, the psychologist’s role as expert, and hope, what other factors may contribute to the success of therapy?

3. Are evidence-based treatments appropriate for diverse clients? In what scenarios might such treatments be appropriate? In what scenarios might such treatments be inappropriate? If inappropriate, in what ways could such interventions prove harmful to clients?

4. Which approach to measuring the outcome of therapy—efficacy studies, effectiveness studies, neurobiological indicators, or medical cost offset—is most convincing to you? Why?

5. In 2010, cognitive became the preferred orientation of clinical psychologists for the first time. Prior to 2010, eclectic/integrative had generally been the preferred orientation. Why do you believe this shift has occurred?

6. The “society” component of the tripartite model can include many groups or individuals, such as family, friends, and managed care companies. How do you think the role of managed care companies has changed the provision of psychological services? Will recent changes in healthcare law affect the role that managed health care companies play in psychological treatment? Will the federal government become part of the “society” component of the tripartite model? Are such changes positive or negative? Why?

7. This chapter states that numerous studies have concluded that the therapeutic relationship is perhaps the most crucial single aspect of therapy. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?