Clinical errors in cognitive-behavior therapy

Abstract

Although cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be highly effective for a wide range of disorders, many patients do not benefit. The failure to fully benefit from CBT may be due to a wide range of factors, one of which includes "clinical errors" that often occur during the therapeutic process. We briefly note 4 such clinical errors including neglecting to conduct a detailed functional analysis of the presenting problem(s), not adequately engaging the patient in developing a case formulation for the purposes of treatment planning, getting wrapped up in simply examining beliefs without behavioral tests, and not holding patients accountable for fear of rupturing the therapeutic alliance. We then discuss the context in which these clinical errors may occur during CBT and highlight alternative approaches. Being mindful of these and other potential clinical errors during CBT may facilitate better treatment outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record