Client-Directed Outcome-Informed Therapy

Client-Directed Outcome-Informed Therapy was developed by Scott Miller and Barry Duncan. This innovative and simple technique involves posing a series of questions to a client, both before and after a therapy session. Dr. Scott D. Miller, the founder of Client-Directed Outcome-Focused Psychotherapy, designed this technique to meet the needs of the client through a form of talk therapy. The goal is not on the talk therapy itself, rather the alliance formed between the therapist and client, and the client’s evaluation of the experience as a compass for further treatment techniques. Both the client and therapist must adhere to the scales and frequent checks must be made--this alone creates a stronger therapist-client bond.

• First Formal Scale of CDOI: Outcome Rating Scale
• Second Formal Scale of CDOI: Session Rating Scale
• Resources Related to Client-Directed Outcome-Informed Therapy

First Formal Scale of CDOI: Outcome Rating Scale

The questions are used as a form of measurement. The first formal scale, called the Outcome Rating Scale (ORS), is administered at the beginning of a session. This tool is used to gauge the progress a client has made since his or her last session. Vital information is gathered from the client and this information is extremely useful to the therapist in determining if any external influences or environmental situations have delayed or enhanced the client’s progress.

Second Formal Scale of CDOI: Session Rating Scale

The second formal scale, called the Session Rating Scale (SRS), is administered at the conclusion of a session and used to assess the client’s overall therapy experience. Both scales consist of only four questions and the completion of each takes mere minutes. However, this form of assessment has proven to be a very effective system for determining the progress of a client. In addition, the second scale allows the therapist to evaluate the current approach being used and decide if a change of course would better assist the client in achieving a positive outcome. This immediate feedback serves both the client and therapist in streamlining and focusing the therapy in such a way as to facilitate the desired results as quickly as the therapy will allow.

Resources Related to Client-Directed Outcome-Informed Therapy:

American Psychological Association

TalkingCure.com - Client-Directed Outcome-Informed Clinical Work Frequently Asked Question