Andrés J. Consoli

Computers in assessment and cognitive behavioral treatment of clinical disorders: Anxiety as a case in point

Computers have the potential to provide effective assessment and to assist in the provision of therapy at relatively low cost. This article reviews the research on computer programs for the assessment and cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders. Empirical findings on the use of computers for clinical diagnoses, as substitutes for paper and pencil assessment measures, as the sole providers of behavior therapy, and as an adjunct to clinician guidance are presented. In addition to being the first critical review of the methodology of this research, this paper describes desktop and ambulatory computer technology and programs, discusses their advantages and disadvantages, and provides suggestions for future research. Although this review focuses on anxiety disorder research, most of the basic points that are made with respect to the computer technology and research apply to computer assessment and therapy as it relates to other disorders.

Review of Dialogues on difference: Studies of diversity in the therapeutic relationship.

Reviews the book, Dialogues on difference: Studies of diversity in the therapeutic relationship edited by J. Christopher Muran (see record 2006-11731-000). Muran, the editor and one of the authors of the book being reviewed here, has contributed an excellent tome. The book fastens a time when speaking of psychotherapy and cultural competence will be unnecessary because of its redundancy. Furthermore, Muran has made use of a powerful, extremely relevant yet equally demanding structure to bring this book about: actual, consecutive dialogues between the chapter author(s), the respective two commentators, and the author(s) once again in a rejoinder. The dialogue format requires a significant commitment to the project over time and a systematic follow through for the dialogues to come to fruition. The final product is highly recommended reading for psychotherapy practitioners at all stages of professional development, for psychotherapy researchers seeking important lines of research on psychotherapy process, and for instructors wanting potent illustrations by courageous therapists willing to expose their internal processes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).