Matthew S. McMurray

and 1 more

Objective: In this study, we examine efforts in religion/spirituality (R/S) psychotherapy outcome research to account for therapist effects. Methods: After reviewing R/S-integrated psychotherapy outcome research and therapist effects research, we examine studies included in the 2018 Captari et al. meta-analysis of R/S-integrated psychotherapies with attention to analyses or acknowledgment of possible therapist effects. Results: Of the 95 studies reviewed, only authors from eight studies reported analyzing therapist effects. Some therapist factors (e.g. type of counselor) were significantly related to client outcomes, however no differences between individual therapist effects were detected (perhaps due to insufficient power). Authors of 19 additional studies acknowledged or hinted at the possible influence of therapist characteristics on their results in their discussions of limitations and future directions. Conclusion: R/S-integrated psychotherapy outcome research is substantial and promising. Including therapists in analyses is an essential next step for R/S-integrated psychotherapy outcome research. We offer recommendations regarding research and practice: we encourage researchers to account for therapist effects or acknowledge relevant limitations, and we encourage researchers and practitioners to consider the variety of ways R/S can be incorporated into psychotherapy (e.g., engaging in a client-led conversation of R/S), based on the individual needs and interests of each client.