Beck, Meichenbaum, and Strupp: A comparison of three therapies on the dimension of therapist feedback

Demonstration sessions of cognitive therapy (Beck), cognitive behavior modification (Meichenbaum), and short-term psychodynamic therapy (Strupp) with the same patient, Richard, were compared. These therapies were analyzed using the Coding System of Therapeutic Focus, a recently developed system to analyze therapist statements in a language that is neutral with respect to psychotherapy orientation. In comparison to the other therapists, Beck focused more on the cognitive triad of Richard's thoughts about self, world, and future. Although all three therapists placed a comparable emphasis on the impact that other people had on the patient, both Meichenbaum and Strupp focused more than Beck on the impact Richard may have had on others.