24/12/2025
I entered the behavioural health field back in 1981 because I genuinely wanted to help people. This article is about the path I’ve taken to figuring out when—and where—I’m actually making a difference. Decades of meta-analytic research show that psychotherapy works, with an effect size of about 0.8. What’s surprising though, is that this number hasn’t budged in more than 50 years. It doesn’t seem to change based on the problem being treated, the approach used, how experienced the therapist is, or even how complex a client’s situation may be—except in cases of severe, biologically based conditions.
Drawing on both a case study and meta-analytic research, this article makes the case that regularly using Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) is a powerful way to improve both outcomes and the therapeutic relationship in counselling. FIT keeps clients’ voices front and centre, offers built-in quality checks, helps catch when things might be going off track—especially for clients at risk of poorer outcomes—and supports ongoing professional growth and accountability.
https://www.acrjournal.com.au/resources/assets/journals/Volume-18-Issue-2-2025/Manuscript7%20-%20Here%20to%20help%20A%20therapists%20journey%20into%20Feedback%20Informed%20Treatment%20%20-%20FIT.pdf