ABSTRACT
Progress in any endeavor relies on motivation and psychotherapy is no exception. Most relevant for psychotherapy motivation are the benefit/cost ratio, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and motivation to change. Identifying benefits to psychotherapy and addressing perceived costs contribute to a robust benefit/cost ratio. Focusing on intrinsic motivation and appreciating that intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are additive or interactive is crucial. Motivation to change is impacted by: personality factors and most prominently open-closed to experience, fear of change, and rigid patterns of behavior, each manageable by specific interventions. Psychotherapy progress is enhanced when therapists and clients focus on and manage these key aspects of motivation.
