The client starts the first appointment with an interactive computer session that takes from 15 to 30 minutes. The software is so easy to use that no previous computer experience is necessary.
The process empowers people by normalizing their problems, by engaging them in self-reflective thought, and by printing their responses for future reference. Often people are more open and honest with the computer because it is seen as non-judgmental.
The first part of FOCUS is a thorough psychological intake. Depending on the client's response, the software may probe deeper by branching to another level of questioning. The second part enables the client to accurately define their current problems in living.
After the interview, the client takes their printout with them. They should be encouraged to add notes and amendments to it and keep it as their tool to help them do their psychological work. The second copy becomes a source document for comprehensive case notes and treatment planning for the therapist to review and amend.
When a person asks for help they do it because they cannot solve their problems in living. They become either incapacitated or somewhat immobilized by the distress and impairment that follows from being blocked and stuck. Bringing the source of the problem back into focus as a solvable problem is an important piece of psychological work necessary to regain health and well being. With this tool, much of that work can be accomplished.FROM THE CLIENT'S PERSPECTIVEThe Intake Questionnaire contains the following sections - however, the printout covers the problems in living section only, which includes unmet needs and personal goals along with some recommended next steps. - Basic background information
- Health related events
- Symptom picture
- Special concerns
- Unhealthy habits
- Current functioning
- Problems in living
FROM THE THERAPIST'S PERSPECTIVEThe printout is formatted by potential diagnostic categories - If "high risk" data was selected then additional questions are printed as well as guidelines for the therapist. - Marital Status: Children: Living Arrangement: Occupation:
- Why Help Now: Psychological TX: Medical TX & Physical Symptoms:
- Potential Dangers (danger to self, danger to others, danger from others)
- Addiction Issues (substances, side effects, frequency, duration of concern)
- Symptom picture (depression, anxiety)
- Disorders (anxiety related disorders, thought disorders)
- Functionality (general abilities, day to day responsibilities, work productivity)
- Problems in Living (work, family, relationships, transitions, etc.)
- Assessment, Diagnosis & Treatment Plan (Mental Status, DSMR, Primary Problem, Target of Treatment, Client ending positions, Recommendations for Treatment)
| Gould Centers Outpatient Delivery of ServicesOur computerized intake served a triage function with special emphasis on symptoms, impairments, substance abuse, depression, psychotic disorders, danger to self, to others or from others.
Compared to other providers in a managed care company:
53% of our patients improved
versus 32% in the rest of the network
41% stayed the same versus 58%
6% regressed versus 10%
This increase in functioning was obtained in 7.2 session (with our model and tool)
versus an 11 session average for the
other therapists on the panel.
Brief Decision Making Therapy is a more pro-active way of doing therapy that shifts the responsibility of action to the patient.
Clients enter therapy having an unsolved problem and clinging to old ways of coping that don't work. Our approach is based on the concept of doing a unit of developmental work. That is, helping a person solve a problem by trying new behavior, and incorporating that new behavior into a safe definition of him or herself. |
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