Behavior analytic therapists' clinical practice problems

Abstract

The paper provides an identification of some problems faced by five behavior analytic therapists in their clinical practice, according to their reports and some solutions they have adopted. The therapists were interviewed and their verbalizations were registered and transcribed. Categories of those verbalizations were set and refined according to four judges. Results have indicated that some difficult situations tend to arise, mostly, when client: a) approaches therapist in an improper way; b) confronts therapist after receiving feedback; c) exposes his/her or someone else life at risk; and d) makes therapist cry with his/her report. Some implications for therapist training and future research designs were discussed.

therapist patient interaction; psychotherapy; behavior analytical therapist; therapist trainees