The directive interview is a technique widely used in the field of psychology and psychotherapy. In this type of interview, the therapist takes a more active and directive role in interacting with the patient, providing guidance, offering solutions, and establishing clear guidelines for treatment. Throughout this article, we will explore in detail what the managerial interview is, its distinctive characteristics, as well as its advantages and disadvantages in the context of clinical practice.
Characteristics of the directive interview
The directive interview is characterized by the presence of a clear and defined structure, where the therapist takes a more active position compared to other therapeutic approaches. In this type of interview, the therapist guides the conversation, sets specific goals, and provides guidance to the patient in exploring their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Below are some of the key features of the managerial interview:
1. Active role of the therapist
In the directive interview, the therapist plays an active and directive role in the therapeutic process. Instead of adopting a more neutral and reflective stance, the therapist takes on the responsibility of guiding the conversation, offering suggestions, and providing feedback to the patient more explicitly.
2. Clear and defined structure
The management interview is characterized by having a clear and defined structure. The therapist establishes clear objectives for the session, defines the topic areas to explore, and directs the conversation toward achieving specific goals. This structure provides a solid framework for the development of the therapeutic process and helps the patient focus on relevant aspects of their experience.
3. Use of specific techniques
In the directive interview, the therapist uses specific techniques to guide the conversation and facilitate the patient's exploration. These techniques may include direct questions, tasks assigned between sessions, role-playing, visualization exercises, among others. The use of specific techniques helps deepen the patient's understanding of their emotions and thoughts, as well as promote significant changes in their behavior.
4. Focus on problem solving
A fundamental aspect of the managerial interview is its focus on problem solving. The therapist works closely with the patient to identify and address the specific problems they face, providing guidance and support in the process of finding effective solutions. This action-oriented, problem-solving approach can be especially beneficial for patients seeking concrete changes in their lives.
Advantages of the managerial interview
The managerial interview offers a number of of significant advantages for both the therapist and the patient. Below are some of the most notable advantages of this therapeutic approach:
1. Effectiveness in achieving therapeutic objectives
The clear and defined structure of the managerial interview facilitates the achievement of specific therapeutic objectives. By having a solid framework for exploration and clinical work, the therapist can help the patient identify and address their problems more effectively, promoting significant changes in a relatively short period of time.
2 . Greater clarity and guidance for the patient
The direct guidance provided by the therapist in the directive interview provides the patient with greater clarity and guidance in the therapeutic process. By having clear goals and specific guidelines to follow, the patient can feel more confident and focused in their therapeutic work, which encourages greater commitment and participation in the process.
3. Promotion of concrete changes
The problem-solving focus of the managerial interview favors the promotion of concrete and tangible changes in the patient's life. By actively working to identify solutions and implement change strategies, the therapist can help the patient overcome obstacles and achieve their goals more effectively.
4. Adaptability to different styles and preferences
The managerial interview is characterized by its flexibility and adaptability to different therapeutic styles and preferences. Although the therapist takes a more active role in the interaction, there is still room for individualization and personalization of the therapeutic approach according to the specific needs and preferences of each patient.
Disadvantages of the directive interviewDisadvantages of the directive interview
Despite its numerous advantages, the managerial interview also has some disadvantages that are important to take into account. Some of the limitations and potential drawbacks of this therapeutic approach are explored below:
1. Possible lack of patient autonomy
Due to the more active and directive role of the therapist, there is a risk that the patient perceives a loss of autonomy and control in the therapeutic process. This lack of autonomy can hinder the patient's genuine expression of thoughts and emotions, as well as the ability to make decisions independently.
2. Less emphasis on deep exploration
By focusing on problem solving and achieving specific goals, the managerial interview may have less emphasis on deep exploration of the patient's emotions, past experiences, and underlying dynamics. . This can limit the patient's holistic understanding and make it difficult to identify recurring patterns or underlying conflicts.
3. Risk of overdirection by the therapist
The directive approach of the directive interview can carry the risk of overdirection by the therapist, where solutions or perspectives are imposed without taking into account the uniqueness and autonomy of the patient . This overdirection can hinder the therapeutic process and affect the quality of the therapeutic relationship.
4. Limitation in the exploration of the therapeutic relationship
The structure and specific orientation of the directive interview can limit the exploration of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the patient. By focusing primarily on problem solving and goal achievement, the importance of establishing a strong therapeutic alliance and a deep understanding of the patient's emotional needs may be neglected.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the directive interview is an effective and widely used therapeutic technique in the field of clinical psychology. Its clear structure, focus on problem-solving and direct guidance offer numerous advantages in terms of effectiveness, clarity and promoting concrete changes in the patient. However, it is important to take into account the possible disadvantages of this approach, such as the limitation on the patient's autonomy, less emphasis on in-depth exploration, and the risk of overdirection by the therapist.
Ultimately Ultimately, the choice to use the directive interview as a therapeutic technique will depend on the specific needs, preferences and objectives of each patient, as well as the therapist's training and experience in its application. By appropriately integrating the principles and techniques of managerial interviewing into clinical practice, therapists can benefit from its advantages and overcome its potential limitations, contributing significantly to the process of change and personal growth of their patients.
Author: Psicólogo José Álvarez