Abstract
The present study attempted a sensitive test of the dynamic sequence proposed by Mann for time-limited individual psychotherapy (TLP). Session evaluation ratings were collected from both patient and therapist. Indices were constructed that reflected the consistency of patient ratings, the consistency of therapist ratings, and the congruence between patient and therapist ratings, in each third of TLP. Measures of symptoms and social functioning were employed to differentiate cases of “good” versus “poor” treatment outcome. Therapists' adherence to the TLP technique was assessed by categorizing all interventions in each session. Fourteen patients were treated according to the TLP model. Measures of therapist behaviour indicated that treatments had been conducted in general accordance with Mann's technical recommendations. Measures of consistency and congruence failed to support the proposed TLP dynamic sequence. Analyses of mean evaluation ratings indicated a trend towards more positive evaluations as therapy progressed; “good” outcome cases were significantly more likely to evidence this pattern. Results are discussed in terms of interplay between inductive hypothesis building and empirical verification in the development of theories of psychotherapy.