Counsellors and outcome measures : usage trends, familiarity and attitudes : a NSW pilot study

Abstract

Outcome measures play a crucial role in the evaluation of counselling and psychotherapy. Perspectives on what contributes to and brings about therapeutic change vary widely, with outcome measures having also been a source of disagreement with regards to what they measure - as well as when, and how often they should be used. Since the early 1980's, the endorsement of Routine Outcome Monitoring by regulatory and funding bodies has intensified this dialogue. It has been argued that commonly used outcome measures are over-simplistic, irrelevant, therapy interfering and primarily aligned to behavioural approaches to treatment. Consequently, alternative measures that attempt to capture relational aspects and more nuanced therapeutic change processes have been developed. Little research has been conducted on the current usage trends and attitudes towards outcome measures amongst Australian counsellors. A cross disciplinary online survey, employing a mixed methods design was conducted to develop an understanding of Australian counsellors' usage patterns and attitudes towards using outcome measures. One hundred and six clinicians were asked about their experiences with using outcome measures. Outcome measure usage was found to be widespread at 80% and voluntary usage was determined to be 47%. Few process-oriented measures were used or known about. Attitudes towards measures were found to be mixed, with clinicians articulating perceived benefits, limitations and potential harms associated with measuring. This pilot study contributes to the understanding of outcome measure usage patterns and their effects from the perspective of clinicians in Australia. It casts a "wide net" in investigating the utilisation of outcome measures and connects to a wider range of issues within the field. The results, therefore, lead to a range of recommendations for research, clinical training, and practice which aim to enhance awareness and application of outcome measures and more broadly, optimize clients' experiences of counselling and psychotherapy.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	English