Process / pipelineprocess-coding

Therapy Process Observational Coding System

The Therapy Process Observational Coding System (TPOCS) is a comprehensive observer-rated method for classifying and quantifying therapist and client utterances in psychotherapy sessions. Using Stiles's taxonomy of verbal response modes (e.g., Advisement, Reflection, Interpretation, Disclosure), the TPOCS enables detailed analysis of what therapists and clients are doing moment-by-moment: who is talking, what mode (technique), and how frequently. It is used in process research to understand mechanisms of change, train therapists, and examine whether therapy modalities differ in their in-session behavior.

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Sources

  1. Stiles, W. B. (1992). Describing talk: A taxonomy of verbal response modes. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications. link
  2. Hill, C. E., & Lambert, M. J. (2004). Methodological issues in studying psychotherapy processes and outcomes. In M. J. Lambert (Ed.), Bergin and Garfield's handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change (5th ed., pp. 84–135). John Wiley & Sons. link

Related methods

ScholarGateTherapy Process Observational Coding System (Therapy Process Observational Coding System (TPOCS)). Retrieved 2026-06-04 from https://scholargate.app/en/psychotherapy-research/therapy-process-observational-coding