What is Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT), and Why Does It Matter in Therapy?
Imagine this: You’re going to therapy, but instead of your therapist just assuming what is working (or not working), they actually ask you for your feedback… in every single session. Not simply “How was your week?” but real, structured questions about how you feel your therapeutic journey is going, whether it’s helping, and what could be improved.
That’s the foundation of Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT), a client-centred approach that helps to make therapy more effective by using your feedback as a guide. But how does it work, and why should you care? Let’s break it down.
Therapy Should Be About You and FIT Makes Sure of That
One of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is that it is a one-size-fits-all process. A lot of people assume that once they start, the therapist has a specific method, and they just have to “trust the process”. But in reality, therapy is the most effective when it’s tailored to you, and your unique experiences, your comfort level, and what will actually help you grow.
FIT ensures that this can happen. It is a structured way of gathering a client's feedback to readjust and improve their therapy treatment in real time. Instead of waiting until the end of their treatment to find out if it was helpful (or not), FIT allows therapists to alter their approach based on your ongoing experience.
How Does FIT Work?
At the beginning and end of each of your sessions, your therapist might ask you to fill out a quick questionnaire, just a few questions to determine how you are feeling, how you feel therapy is going, and whether you feel understood and supported.
These questions will help to measure aspects such as:
Your overall well-being and whether it is improving
How comfortable and connected you are feeling with your therapist.
If the therapy approach being used is actually helping you move towards your goals
Whether or not any adjustments need to be made (like a different approach or focus)
It’s a simple process, but it can make a huge difference.
Research has shown that therapy is up to 3.5 times more effective when therapists use this type of structured feedback. It can help to prevent clients from dropping out too early and ensures that therapy is responsive, not just routine (Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.).
Why FIT Works: The Science Behind It
Therapy is the most effective when it’s personalized to you. FIT relies on real time data to make sure that your treatment is working for you.
Here’s why that’s important:
It reduces the “guesswork” in therapy. Therapists are trained to be able to read between the lines, but they aren’t mind readers. FIT gives them clearer insight into what is working, and what isn’t.
It can also strengthen the therapeutic relationship. Studies show that feeling a stronger connection to your therapist is one of the key predictors of successful treatment. FIT can keep that connection strong through ensuring that you feel both heard and understood.
It can help to prevent clients from leaving therapy too soon. Oftentimes when people drop out of therapy it is because they feel like it’s not helping. FIT helps to identify these issues before that happens so that adjustments can be made.
It empowers you as the client. Instead of passively attending your sessions, FIT encourages you to be an active participant, and to work collaboratively in your own healing process. You get a say in what works and what doesn’t.
Examples of FIT Questions a Therapist Might Ask
What changes have you noticed in yourself since starting therapy?
Are there specific things we've worked on that have helped or not helped?
Do you feel that the work we're doing in therapy is aligned with what you need?
Is there anything I can do differently to support you better in therapy?
Are there any particular topics or approaches you'd like us to explore more deeply?
How satisfied are you with the progress you’re making in therapy?
What would you like to see more of in our sessions?
Is there anything that has come up recently in your life that you’d like to bring into our work together?
Your therapist will choose questions that best align with the work that you’re doing in your sessions, to better understand your experience of therapy. How you feel about therapy matters.
The goal is to create an atmosphere of feedback and open communication. Improving communication skills is a common goal for clients as they enter therapy, and this is a container in which to practice that skill in a safer and lower-stakes scenario.
What If I Don’t Know What to Say?
People often worry that they won’t have much to say during their sessions or that they might offend their therapist by giving them negative feedback. But FIT is designed to make this feedback easy and pressure-free. The goal isn’t to criticize, it’s to collaborate.
If something isn’t working, as your therapist, we truly want to know.
Maybe a certain approach doesn’t feel right, or you don’t feel as though you’re making progress. That’s valuable information we are looking for! Therapy is the most effective when it is a two-way conversation, and FIT helps to create that dynamic between you and your therapist.
Even if you struggle to come up with an answer, that is often a good jumping point for the therapist to becoming curious about your experience. Are you unsure of what to say because you’re 100% satisfied with how everything is going, or are you unable to express your dissatisfaction or disappointment out of a deeper fear that warrants some attention?
Is FIT Right for Everyone?
Most clients will benefit from FIT because it helps to tailor therapy to their needs.
However, it will work best when both the client and therapist are open to giving and receiving feedback and are willing to adjust as needed. If you like the idea of having a more personalized and responsive therapeutic experience, FIT is certainly something to look for when choosing your therapist.
With that being said, FIT requires both commitment and honesty. If a client is withholding feedback or a therapist is resistant to adapting their approach, FIT likely won’t be as effective. But when done correctly, it can create a stronger and more effective therapeutic experience.
The Downsides of FIT
While FIT has a proven track record of improving therapy outcomes, it’s not a magic fix for every situation. Here are a few things that you should consider:
Not all therapists will use FIT: If this approach does appeal to you, it’s worth asking a potential therapist if they incorporate it into their practice.
It requires ongoing participation: FIT only works if you are providing honest feedback. If a client is feeling uncomfortable being direct, the experience may not be as effective.
Some therapists may be resistant to making changes: Not all therapists are used to adjusting their methods based on their clients input, and FIT requires a willingness to adapt.
Despite these potential challenges, FIT continues to be one of the most effective ways to personalize your therapeutic process and improve outcomes.
Final Thoughts: Therapy That Works for You
Therapy isn’t just about talking, it’s about change. And the best way to ensure that this change happens is by making sure that the therapy itself is working for you. Feedback-Informed Treatment helps to do exactly that by making sure that your voice a key part of your therapy.
If you’re considering therapy (or are already in therapy), don’t be afraid to ask your therapist how they can incorporate your feedback into their approach. After all, therapy is about you, so why not make sure that it is as effective as possible?
Looking for a Therapist Who Values Your Feedback?
If you are interested in working with a therapist who prioritizes your experience and growth, while valuing your feedback, reach out to us to learn more. Therapy should always be a space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered, and FIT helps to make this happen.
Book a free consultation to find out more or fill out a contact form. We’re happy to answer your questions and get you set up with the right type of care for your needs.
