Real-Time Monitoring of Psychotherapeutic Change Processes

Since several years, internet-based technologies for the monitoring of psychotherapy processes were partially established in in-patient and day treatment centres. We discuss the usefulness and some methodological requirements of process monitoring devices, with a more detailed description of the Synergetic Navigation System (SNS). Continuous self-ratings and the use of feedback-tools like the SNS will have therapeutic implications on patients as well as therapists and their professional cooperation with the patient. Studies on the effects of feedback-systems on patients and therapists should be realized, and the quality of feedback-sessions as well as the competencies in the management of nonlinear processes and feedback-systems should be enhanced. Real-time monitoring is ready to get an integrated part of clinical practice and of clinical training programs.