Using Patient Preferences to Customise Therapy

Over the past decade, research has significantly advanced an understanding of how client preferences in psychotherapy impact treatment efficacy. Studies have indicated that assessing and accommodating preferences can lead to improved therapeutic outcomes, such as lower dropout rates, enhanced therapeutic alliances and greater psychological well-being. Meta-analyses have supported the notion that personalised psychotherapy tailored to client preferences is effective. This approach is also considered an ethical imperative, addressing patients’ legitimate needs and contributing to their overall well-being. Understanding and integrating client preferences into therapy aligns with the broader movement towards personalised medicine. This chapter explores the significance of patient preferences, detailing the benefits and challenges. Preferences in psychotherapy encompass various aspects, including therapeutic approaches, therapist characteristics, session frequency and duration and specific treatment goals. Recognising these preferences can foster a stronger therapeutic alliance because clients feel acknowledged and respected, leading to better engagement and outcomes. This chapter highlights several instruments for assessing client preferences, and then focuses on a reliable and clinically useful measure, ‘Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences’ (C-NIP), which has been developed in 2016 and addresses several limitations of previously developed preference tools. The C-NIP has been translated into multiple languages, making it widely applicable. This chapter also offers guidelines for using the C-NIP in therapy, with clinical examples. Integrating patient preferences into therapy involves adopting, adapting or offering alternatives to meet client needs while adhering to ethical and evidence-based practices. This process enhances the therapeutic alliance, promotes patient autonomy and ensures that therapy is both effective and personalised. By embracing shared decision-making, therapists can collaborate with clients to tailor treatments that respect their preferences and contribute to their overall well-being.