Improving interpersonal skills in therapists: A waitlist-controlled trial of facilitative interpersonal and relational skills training.
This study evaluated a brief deliberate practice-based training program ('Facilitative Interpersonal and Relational Skills Training') aimed at enhancing therapists' facilitative interpersonal skills (FIS) in a sample of experienced clinicians.
Using a waitlist-controlled design, two groups of therapists (N = 68) sequentially received a two-day workshop followed by two booster sessions over two months. They completed performance-based FIS assessments at three time points, along with self-reported FIS and therapist self-efficacy. Piecewise mixed-effects models tested pre-post change in each group and effects across the eight specific FIS.
No significant group × time interaction emerged. One group showed significant within-group improvement in FIS following training (g = .42, 95% CI [.15, .70], p = <.01), wheras the other showed a small, non-significant improvement (g = .21, 95% CI [-.20, .62], p = .31). Skill-specific analyzes indicated the largest gains in alliance-related skills, namely alliance bond capacity and rupture-repair responsiveness. No significant effects were found for self-reported FIS or therapist self-efficacy.
Modest improvements emerged in FIS after the training, especially alliance-focused capacities. Effects were smaller than in prior trainee-trials on FIS training, likely reflecting higher baseline skill levels and limited power. Larger studies are needed to evaluate clinical impact.
Using a waitlist-controlled design, two groups of therapists (N = 68) sequentially received a two-day workshop followed by two booster sessions over two months. They completed performance-based FIS assessments at three time points, along with self-reported FIS and therapist self-efficacy. Piecewise mixed-effects models tested pre-post change in each group and effects across the eight specific FIS.
No significant group × time interaction emerged. One group showed significant within-group improvement in FIS following training (g = .42, 95% CI [.15, .70], p = <.01), wheras the other showed a small, non-significant improvement (g = .21, 95% CI [-.20, .62], p = .31). Skill-specific analyzes indicated the largest gains in alliance-related skills, namely alliance bond capacity and rupture-repair responsiveness. No significant effects were found for self-reported FIS or therapist self-efficacy.
Modest improvements emerged in FIS after the training, especially alliance-focused capacities. Effects were smaller than in prior trainee-trials on FIS training, likely reflecting higher baseline skill levels and limited power. Larger studies are needed to evaluate clinical impact.
Authors
Fagerbakk Fagerbakk, Brattland Brattland, Lindberg Lindberg, McAleavey McAleavey, Ryum Ryum
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