A scoping review of machine learning in psychotherapy research.

Machine learning (ML) offers robust statistical and probabilistic techniques that can help to make sense of large amounts of data. This scoping review paper aims to broadly explore the nature of research activity using ML in the context of psychological talk therapies, highlighting the scope of current methods and considerations for clinical practice and directions for future research. Using a systematic search methodology, fifty-one studies were identified. A narrative synthesis indicates two types of studies, those who developed and tested an ML model (k=44), and those who reported on the feasibility of a particular treatment tool that uses an ML algorithm (k=7). Most model development studies used supervised learning techniques to classify or predict labeled treatment process or outcome data, whereas others used unsupervised techniques to identify clusters in the unlabeled patient or treatment data. Overall, the current applications of ML in psychotherapy research demonstrated a range of possible benefits for indications of treatment process, adherence, therapist skills and treatment response prediction, as well as ways to accelerate research through automated behavioral or linguistic process coding. Given the novelty and potential of this research field, these proof-of-concept studies are encouraging, however, do not necessarily translate to improved clinical practice (yet).

Cognitive mediators of the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult psychopathology: A systematic review.

This is the first review to rigorously examine the mediating role of cognitive factors in the relationship between childhood trauma and subsequent adult psychopathology, and highlight areas for future research. A database search (Child Development & Adolescent Studies, ERIC, Global Health, PsycARTICLES, and PsycINFO) was conducted to identify empirical studies on cognitive factors, explaining the relationship between different types of adverse childhood experiences and adult psychopathology across clinical and nonclinical populations. A narrative synthesis and appraisal of the methodological quality of the studies was conducted. Ninety-eight mediation studies were identified, comprising 4,137 clinical and 28,228 nonclinical participants. Despite great variation in methodological quality of the studies, our narrative synthesis suggests that cognitive factors mediate the relationship between early trauma and later psychopathology. This finding is consistent across different measures of traumatic experiences, psychopathology, and cognitive mediators. Cognitive mediators represent potentially valuable intervention targets for (non)clinical patients who have experienced childhood adversity. Future studies are needed to (a) establish longitudinal causal connections, and (b) assess the effect of interventions that specifically target cognitive change in patients with different levels and types of pathology.

Psychotherapy for personal growth? A multicultural and multitheoretical exploration.

OBJECTIVE: This paper reports on a focus-group discussion of four expert psychotherapy researchers facilitated at an international conference from the Society of Psychotherapy Research. A discussion was facilitated to explore their perspectives on psychotherapy practices of personal growth (intentionally working towards a strengthened sense of autonomy, mastery, and self-acceptance) in different countries (United States, Canada, Argentina, and Chile) and different modalities (psychoanalysis, humanistic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy). METHODS: Following the conference, the audio recording of this discussion was transcribed and analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods. RESULTS: Six domains were identified; definition of personal growth, mental health care systems, psychotherapy practice, psychotherapy research, client and therapist characteristics, and social stigma. RESULTS: Six domains were identified; definition of personal growth, mental health care systems, psychotherapy practice, psychotherapy research, client and therapist characteristics, and social stigma. CONCLUSION: Future research examining the cost-effectiveness and benefits of psychotherapy for personal growth is warranted. Building on the six domains, specific future research projects on the evidence-based practice of psychotherapy for personal growth are suggested.

A Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Group in a Psychoanalytic Community Service: A Pilot Study.

This exploratory study reports on the implementation and effectiveness of a 20-week Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills group provided to 8 outpatients (7 women, average age 33 years old) within a psychoanalytic community clinic. We report on the practical implementation of this DBT skills group, and describe how the theoretical/technical differences between DBT and psychoanalysis were negotiated by the two co-therapists. The effectiveness of the skills group was evaluated on standardized measures of borderline personality symptoms, depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, quality of life, and mindfulness skills that patients completed before and after treatment. At post-treatment, patients evaluated the DBT skills group on a satisfaction questionnaire and therapists completed a countertransference measure. Pre-post outcome data indicated reduced symptom levels of anxiety, depression, and improved quality of life. Both therapists reported moderate therapist responses typically associated with borderline personality disorder psychopathology. Their therapist responses were not associated with symptom levels or change but were related to patient satisfaction. Accumulative pilot studies like these add to the practice-based evidence of DBT components offered within psychoanalytically-oriented community clinics. However, given the exploratory nature of this study, strong conclusions are precluded until further effectiveness research is conducted.