Abstract
This chapter examines the question: Are common factors responsible for therapeutic change? It reviews the history of the debate of the value of theory-common versus theory-specific factors and observe that more energy has been devoted to this debate than to reaching consensus about what the common factors actually are. The chapter surveys the literature on common factors with a focus on common patient characteristics, therapist qualities, change processes, treatment structures, and relationship elements. It reviews four models of training in one or more specific common factors that hold promise not only for helping therapists learn to be more effective but also for enhancing the understanding of common factors. The chapter highlights the most commonly researched common factor—the alliance—and note characteristics of the alliance construct and alliance research that may provide a useful road map for promoting the identification and exploration of additional common factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)