In lectures and training I always emphasis that other factors contribute to the clients outcome than just the model of practice. These factors include the alliance, the practitioners ability to instill belief in change and the importance of early improvement in a client. A large scale meta-analysis explored a further common factor in treatment-the clients expectations of treatment. Analysing a large number of studies, it found that positive expectations in a client prior to treatment played a critical role in their final outcome. Early subjective improvement and the alliance with their practitioner was strongly allied to this- regardless of mental health diagnosis. To read a short review of this research published by Findings, click here.