Scale Analysis

The Cognitive Therapy Competence Scale for Social Phobia (CTCS-SP) is a specialized tool designed to assess therapists’ proficiency in delivering cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for individuals with social phobia. The scale includes several categories that evaluate different aspects of therapeutic intervention, such as establishing and maintaining a positive therapeutic alliance, assessing and managing clients’ problems, applying cognitive restructuring techniques to challenge and modify dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs, and implementing behavioral interventions to address social situations. Additionally, the scale evaluates the management of anxiety and avoidance, monitoring client progress and tailoring treatment accordingly, as well as maintaining and generalizing skills acquired during therapy. The CTCS-SP is an important tool for training, self-assessment, and supervision of therapists, ensuring the delivery of high-quality therapeutic services for individuals with social phobia.

Purpose of the Scale

The purpose of this scale is to provide a reliable and valid means of assessing therapists’ skills in delivering cognitive-behavioral therapy for individuals with social phobia. Through the systematic evaluation of various aspects of the therapeutic process, the scale aims to ensure that therapists apply appropriate techniques and interventions in an effective and consistent manner. Moreover, the CTCS-SP seeks to enhance therapists’ professional development by offering guidelines for improving their practice, while also contributing to the assurance of treatment quality for individuals with social phobia. In this way, the scale supports the achievement of positive therapeutic outcomes and the improvement of quality of life for people suffering from social phobia.

Scale Scoring

The CTCSFSP-5 consists of 5 items, which are rated as follows:
0: Unsuccessful or absent performance. The desired behavior or technique is not observed.
1: Very poor performance. Minimal use of the technique or approach.
2: Poor performance. Some use of the technique, but with significant shortcomings and weaknesses.
3: Moderate performance. Basic and adequate use of the technique, though with considerable room for improvement.
4: Satisfactory performance. Generally effective use of the technique, with some minor weaknesses.
5: Good performance. Consistent and effective use of the technique with minimal weaknesses.
6: Excellent performance. The technique is applied with outstanding skill and without weaknesses.

References

von Consbruch, K. et al. (2012). “Assessing therapeutic competence in cognitive therapy for social phobia: Psychometric properties of the cognitive therapy competence scale for social phobia (CTCS-SP).” Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 40, 149–161.
Ginzburg, D. et al. (2012). “Treatment-specific competence predicts outcome in cognitive therapy …” Behaviour Research and Therapy (BRAT), 50, 747–752.