Step 6. Getting to Know the C-NIP

The Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences or C-NIP is a brief, reliable, and multidimensional measure of client preferences designed for clinical use either at initial assessment or as part of ongoing care.

It addresses all three types of client preferences identified in the research: likes and dislikes for therapists, treatments, and within-session activities. However, the scaled scores primarily focus on the latter, and specifically preferences for the active listner’s style. It can also be used in supervision, research, and training.

The measure is free to use, without permission, and is translated into several languages. The latest version of the forms, instruction for use, and an online site for digital completion of the form are available at www.c-nip.net/ .

The instructions for the C-NIP read: “On each of the items below, please indicate your preferences for how a psychotherapist or counselor should work with you.” Participants respond on a 7-point Likert-type scale (3 to 0 to -3) with labels: “3 indicates a strong preference in that direction,” “2 indicates a moderate preference in that direction,” and “1 indicates a slight preference in that direction.” Zero on each scale indicates “No preference.”

The first part of the inventory presents clients with the stem “I would like my therapist to . . . ”, and then 18 items in which they indicate their preferences from 3 (a “strong preference” for one end of the item) to -3 (a “strong preference” for the other end of the item). Examples of items are “Focus on specific goals”–“Not focus on specific goals” and “Focus mainly on my thoughts”–“Focus mainly on my feelings.”

In the unscored second part of the inventory, clients are presented with 11 open questions regarding preferences about the therapist, activities, and treatment. For instance, clients are asked whether they have strong preferences for medication or psychotherapy, the number of therapy sessions, therapy format/modality, or anything they would particularly dislike.

The 18 items are grouped into four scales with cut points for strong preferences in both directions: Therapist Directiveness versus Client Directiveness, Emotional Intensity versus Emotional Reserve, Past Orientation versus Present Orientation, and Warm Support versus Focused Challenge.

These key dimensions underlying style preferences, particularly therapist directiveness and therapist support, have emerged in research on other client preference measures.

Professionals have expressed clinical satisfaction with the form. They thought that it was a helpful means of assessing what clients wanted from treatment such that it could be tailored accordingly and served as a valuable source of reflection and learning about their own practices. In addition, therapists related that the measure was empowering for clients and helped to enhance the therapeutic relationship. In terms of limitations, they thought that the form could lead to increased therapist self-criticism and over-molding to clients’ wishes.

An easy way for you to familiarize yourself with the C-NIP is to complete it as prospective (or current) clients. Take it on paper, then follow the self-explanatory instructions to score and interpret it. Jot down any other strong preferences you might have to the open-ended questions. Perhaps explore your responses with a practice partner, in place of a therapist. That will provide a lived experience of the C-NIP process. You can also complete it online at c-nip.net where it will provide you a summary of your strong preferences.

Next, complete the C-NIP yourself; identify own strong preferences and share your reflections in the box below.