Verbal Response Modes Analysis Of Behavioral Therapy Process

ObjectiveThe therapeutic techniques, the Verbal Response Modes (VRM) of the therapist and client, the client’s cognitive-behavioral exploration and affection-exploration in the behavioral therapy process were discussed in this case study, as well as their relationship with each other. An interpretation about how the client’s therapeutic change took place was displayed.MethodsCombined quantitative with qualitative research methods were applied to study the psychotherapy process after the interviews video were transcribed according to the preestablished rules. Based on Stiles’ VRM, and Hill’s Client Behavior System for client’s cognitive-behavioral exploration and affection-exploration, two researchers coded the interview transcription with theme analysis to summarized the therapeutic techniques using the qualitative analysis software Nvivo8.Results1. The client suffering from schizophrenia achieved comprehensive rehabilitation in psychological and social function, and returned to normal family and social life after behavioral therapy combined with medication. During the behavioral therapy, therapist’s therapeutic techniques include: analyzing the behavior based on its bacground, function and process; assigning, checking and analyzing the homework; developing and implementing the behavior plan; shaping and reinforce positive behavior patterns.2. The therapist used more VRM of Interpretation (29.5%) Reflection (18.7%).Confirmation (10.9%) and Advisement (10.4%) intent. The client used more VRM of Disclosure (44%), Acknowledgement (27.7%) and Ediffication (18.4%) intent. The percentage profiles of VRM used by both client’s and therapist’s intents varied in different psychotherapeutic stages.3. The therapist used different VRM with different therapeutic techniques. The client’s cognitive-behavioral exploration and affection-exploration mostly arised following therapist’s behavioral analysis technique and exploratory Reflection of VRM.Conclusions1. VRM such as Interpretation, Reflection, Confirmation and Advisement could be used to implement the main techniques in behavioral therapy including:behavior analyzing, making behavior plans, shaping positive behavior patterns and so on.2. Client’s cognitive-behavioral exploration and affection-exploration usually arised with therapist’s exploratory Reflection, which could improve client’s therapeutic involvement and the understanding about the pathological behavior development.3. Client’s illness behavior patterns were effectively transformed into positive through behavioral combined with pharmaceutic therapy. The transformation of behavior patterns could be the key element for client to maitain a long-term mental health and avoid the possibility of relapse.