Socratic Style of Psychotherapy Preferred by Clients

According to a master's thesis titled "The Perceived Utility of the Socratic Method in Psychotherapy," The Socratic style of interviewing was preferred to either Client-Centered therapy or Rational-Emotive therapy when all three approaches were offered to a group of clients. The study was conducted at Western case University by Robin Lynn Cautin.

Quoting the thesis conclusions: "Although the empathic approach of Client-Centered therapy has its benefits, it may be perceived as too unstructured and lacking forward movement. It is suggested that without the systematic questioning of the Socratic therapist, behavior change is not efficiently facilitated. The harsh and forceful nature of Rational-Emotive therapy may detract from its effectiveness and reduce the therapist's ability to develop a collaborative relationship with clients. The Socratic method may be seen as an important balance between the two as it combines a gentle, empathic approach with a means by which to guide behavior change. The results strongly suggested the superiority of the Socratic method as perceived by potential consumers."

For information about the use of the Socratic method in Classical Adlerian psychotherapy, see "Adler and Socrates: Similarities and Differences" at http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/socrates.htm .

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