DOES COMPLEMENTARITY PROMOTE OR HINDER CLIENT CHANGE IN BRIEF THERAPY- A REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE FROM 2 THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES

Two conceptual models, interpersonal personality theory (IPT) and rela tional control theory (RCT), have had long-standing influences on the science and practice of psychotherapy, undergirding many of the goals, strategies, and techniques commonly used in brief treatments for indi viduals and families. In both models, client-therapist complementarity figures prominently, but IPT and RCT theorists define the concept dif ferently, with varying perspectives on its value in facilitating thera peutic change. Because of the conceptual differences and a wide array of research methods, the literature on complementarity is replete with confusing, contradictory results. To clarify the existing knowledge b ase and suggest directions for future study, 23 IPT and 19 RCT studies of observable client-therapist interactions in brief individual and f amily therapy were reviewed and contrasted Although results do not con sistently confirm either model, the evidence tends to support IPT in t he context of individual therapy and RCT in the context of family ther apy. Implications are summarized, followed by recommendations for enha ncing the clinical relevance of future research in this area and avoid ing the conceptual and methodological problems of the past.