Assessment & Treatment
Focused on the critical aspects of assessment and treatment in psychotherapy, this section offers resources, guidelines, and discussions on effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to improve client outcomes.
277 articles found
The Sign of Good Work in Psychotherapy
The clock reads 1:55 p.m.; it is time for your next session. You go to the waiting room and there sits your new client, head down in their phone, as is common for clients waiting to see you. As you approach, you start introducing yourself; however, the client does not look up. You raise your […]
Garret Shelenhamer, M.A.
August 6, 2017
Individual vs. Group Psychotherapy
Psychotherapists are becoming busier every day and are constantly trying to manage the many different responsibilities they have with the increase in demand for psychological services. Responsibilities can include assessment, treatment planning, clinical preparation, individual therapy, group therapy, case management, case consultation, documentation, coordinating care, supervision, training, and outreach. One setting that has been heavily […]
Jyssica Seebeck + 2 more
June 25, 2017
An Empirical Analysis of Mental State Talk and Affect Regulation in Two Single-Cases of Psychodynamic Child Therapy
Abstract Literature has shown the importance of mentalizing techniques in symptom remission and emotional understanding; however, no study to date has looked at the dynamic relations between mental state talk and affect regulation in the psychotherapy process. From a psychodynamic perspective, the emergence of the child’s capacity to regulate affect through the therapist’s reflection on […]
Sibel Halfon + 2 more
June 7, 2017
The Role of Time-Out in Trauma-Informed Treatment for Young Children
Childhood trauma is a national concern as approximately one-half of children in the United States experience at least one traumatic event (National Survey of Children’s Health, 2012). Although staggering, help in the form of evidence-based treatments is available for pre-school-aged children exposed to trauma. Recommended treatments include Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT), Trauma-Focused […]
Lauren B. Quetsch, M.S. + 2 more
May 28, 2017
Dos and Don’ts Facing Termination
Ella Fitzgerald articulated memorably the personal meaning of ending relationships in her song “Every time I say goodbye, I die a little.” Termination is a naturally occurring process, and one may wonder whether there is a need for discussing it in the literature. Psychotherapy, and the process of termination that is part of it, is […]
Aviv Nof + 1 more
May 21, 2017
Well-being in Psychotherapy for Individuals with Personality Disorders
Individuals with personality disorders (PDs) are a heterogeneous group with complex presentations that are characterized by significant distress and/or functional impairment. Whereas the traditional aim of psychotherapy for PDs is to alleviate psychopathology, well-being has been gaining increasing attention in psychotherapy. In addition to alleviating distress, enhancing well-being may improve treatment outcome, studies suggest. In […]
Farid Chakhssi, Ph.D. + 3 more
May 14, 2017
Racial Bias Related to Lack of Access to Healthcare
Previous research has demonstrated a clear link between perceived racial discrimination and negative health outcomes for those perceiving and experiencing discrimination. The researchers studied the effect of “actual” racial biases on health outcomes of Blacks (i.e., African-Americans). They measured the predictive strength of Whites’ implicit and explicit racial biases on Blacks’ access to affordable health […]
Patrick Mele + 1 more
May 7, 2017
The Ethics of Helping Clients with Weight Loss in Psychotherapy
Clients often present to psychotherapy asking for help with weight loss. In the U.S., weight loss goals are normative in women and very common in men: 57% of women and 40% of men report trying to lose weight within the past year (Yaemsiri, Slining, & Agarwall, 2010). Psychologists and allied clinicians have rarely considered the […]
Margit I. Berman, Ph.D.
April 16, 2017
Bump Theory
Most therapists describe their theoretical orientation as integrative. Yet drawing from multiple therapy modes risks “shooting from the hip.” Can bump theory provide a unifying conceptual map to guide integrative treatment? This article posits that the answer is yes. What is Bump Theory? Bump theory rests on one main premise: Life bumps create emotional distress; […]
Susan Heitler, Ph.D.
April 9, 2017
Sculpting Psychotherapy Integration in Argentina
An Introduction to Aiglé Aiglé Foundation is a 38-year-old nongovernmental organization (NGO) that focuses on the professional development of mental health practitioners and the delivery of clinical and community services. Aiglé is a classical Greek word that means “shining,” “radiant,” or even “illumination.” Today, aiglé is the term used for the torch carried by Olympic […]
Beatriz Gómez, Ph.D. + 1 more
April 7, 2017
2017 State of Psychotherapy and Practice Technology
Psychotherapy technology has been rapidly developing for several years now, and few things shift as fast as tech. To help catch us all up, I have compiled updated information on a few tech topics of interest to psychotherapists. The Year of Telemental Health It’s probably fair to dub 2017 the year of telemental health. I […]
Roy Huggins, LPC, NCC
April 7, 2017
The Birds and the Bees (and Autism)
As clinicians, we are morally and ethically charged to be available to speak to a variety of topics related to our clients’ developmental and psychological growth. This duty often feels more akin to a privilege, as we are able to bear witness to the emerging consciousness and identity development of our clients in this co-created […]
Jonathan Jenkins, Psy.D.
April 4, 2017