Running head: DIFFERENCES IN CBT THERAPY AND EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY Differences in Interpersonal Behavior between Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists and Experiential Therapists Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in interpersonal behavior of Cognitive-Behavioral therapists and Experiential therapists in the realms of positive regard/judgement and warmth. Subjects viewed nine videotapes of therapy sessions of both CBT and EXT therapists. Subjects rated each therapist based on several scales, including warmth and positive regard vs. judgement. CBT therapists (_M_ = 3.75, SD = .35) scored significantly lower than Experiential therapists (_M_ = 4.5, SD = 1.68) on the “warmth” scale, t(6) = 1.87, _p < .20. While CBT therapists (M_ = -0.19, SD = .85) scored more toward judgement while Experiential therapists (_M_ = -0.63, SD = 1.76) scored more toward positive regard on the “positive regard vs. judgement” scale, t(6) = .45, p>.2, this finding is not considered to be significant. Differences in Interpersonal Behavior Between Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists and Experiential Therapists Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and Experiential therapy differ in ideology, theory and practive. Therefore, the behavior of therapists in each respective field differs greatly as well. One core concept of Experiential therapy is a strong therapist-patient bond. This bond is based on a concept similar to a close friendship. Therefore, a very high level of warmth is required on the part of the Experiential therapist. Unlike CBT, “…the [experiential] therapist does not need to challenge or shape the patient, he has only to provide the warm and understanding milieu which will enable the patient to unfold his latent potentials” (Hoehn-Saric, 1974, 261). Similarly, Experiential therapists are very focused on having unconditionally positive relationships with patients. Regardless of what the patient says or does in therapy, the therapist will respond...