Primary Therapist Response Modes: Comparison of Six Rating Systems

Six therapist response-mode rating systems were compared in order to delineate a set of primary modes that would best summarize the domain of therapist actions. Ratings of seven diverse therapy sessions showed that, in spite of differences in measurement assumptions and rater characteristics, interrater reliabilities generally were similar. When categories in different rating systems were collapsed to the same level of specificity, moderate to strong convergence was found for the six modes rated in all systems: question, information, advisement, reflection, interpretation, and self-disclosure. These modes discriminated among the seven contrasting therapeutic approaches. Each therapist was characterized by a unique pattern of response modes that differed significantly from the others. Researchers interested in assessing therapist in-session behaviors should consider incorporating measures that include these six modes.