How therapists take stock of therapeutic progress at the end of initial assessment

Abstract Background and Objective Cognitive behavioural therapy has a significant attrition rate, yet little is known about how therapists work to encourage clients to continue in therapy. This study aimed to understand how therapists might encourage clients to continue therapy attendance. Method Using conversation analysis, we analysed regularities that occurred between the information gathering phase and rebooking in a corpus of initial psychology interviews. Results We describe a commonly occurring ‘stock‐taking’ activity wherein therapists discussed progress through a set of interrelated concerns (clients' problems, problem causes, problem interventions, and positive outcomes). Both clients and therapists oriented towards stock‐taking being enacted in service of encouraging clients to continue with therapy. Conclusion These findings offer practical guidance about one way that therapists might encourage clients to continue therapy. We also discuss implications for future research and clinical practice.