Expectations in psychotherapy: An overview.

Expectations can influence the outcome and the process of psychotherapy.Hence, this article aims to overview the types of expectations, i.e., outcome,treatment and change. Both patients’ and therapists’ expectations are considered.Furthermore, determinants of expectations and moderators/mediators of expectations-outcome relationship are described. We provided theories that try toexplain the influence of expectations and their relationship with the psychotherapyprocess. Various instruments for measuring expectations and practical adviceto manage expectations in psychotherapy will be discussed. Cliniciansshould become increasingly aware of their own and clients’ expectations. Futurestudies should investigate the impact of every kind of expectation and its moderation/mediation role with other psychotherapy processes.