AN EVALUATION OF A GOAL-DIRECTED GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS'

Abstract

If a roster was made of all the writers on psychotherapy who recommend research concerning the effectiveness of psychotherapy, it would be a long and distinguished list. But the actual list of studies which have employed control groups is short. Knotty design problems such as patient selection or the measurement of behavioral change have forestalled investigation. We encountered a number of difficulties but we believe the fundamental aim-at- tempted evaluation of treatment was maintained. Description of the treatment was the second aim of this study. The goal-directed treatment approach is not a new treatment method but more an emphasis of an aspect of treatment. The therapist carefully and repeatedly defines for the patient what is to be done in the hospital and what the outcome of treatment is to be. As in most treatment methods, he also reflects and interprets the thoughts and feelings of the patient but in addition he defines procedures and goals.