Beyond Efficacy: Unveiling the Mechanisms of Change in Psychotherapy

We know psychotherapy works—but why? This presentation will highlight the ongoing debate about what leads to change in psychotherapy and the implications for training and supervision.

Roeske examines the efficacy and limitations of empirically supported treatments (ESTs), as well as evidence that common factors—like therapeutic alliance, empathy, and client characteristics—may be more important. He reviews common factors theory and explores compelling evidence supporting the contextual model—a prominent example of this theory—and why experienced therapists gravitate toward these models in practice.

Learning objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants can:

1. Describe the difference between specific factors and common factors in psychotherapy.

2. Evaluate the evidence supporting the impact of common factors on psychotherapy outcomes.

3. Explain the role of common factors in psychotherapy training and supervision.

Presenter Disclaimer

Michael Roeske, PsyD, has a working relationship with Newport Healthcare. As such, he has both a financial and an intellectual interest in the webinar content. The purpose of this presentation is to provide a balanced view on the ongoing debate about what leads to change in psychotherapy and the implications for training and supervision.