Registered Clinical Psychologist (MSCP, MAHPC, SRP) - Specialized in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and intervention
This is not going to be an easy pill to swallow, especially for those who are adamant about and have unwavered faith in their subscribed therapy modalities. While a particular therapy modality may be helpful, it doesn't necessarily translate to being effective. Many of us understand the saying that there's no one-size-fits-all approach in the mental health field. Unfortunately, however, many still fail to apply this principle in their practices. It's not uncommon for clinicians or centers to approach clients with a preset template for prescribing a specific therapy modality. Regardless of the client's presentation or the context of their problems, it's almost guaranteed that they will receive the same particular therapy. Now hear me out before you start jumping at me. I believe, most, if not all therapy modalities, are developed with the intention to assist and support people who are struggling. However, no modality can fit anyone, anywhere, and anytime. Even well-studied modalities like CBT can have blind spots that require a combination of other modalities to better support clients. With that said, we have to accept the fact that whatever modality we subscribe to may not be that "all-mighty". While some clients present with more than just their primary problems, it's always helpful to do more (i.e., targeting the secondary problems). While it's helpful to provide a certain modality even if it's not targeting the primary problems, the main question is: Is it effective? More specifically, is it feasible under the given circumstances? It's fantastic to work on all angles, such as with the identified patient, their family, and workspaces, but can that actually be done within the time and space constraints we have? Are we simply being overly ambitious? Or are we being blinded by our kindness? It's not wrong to want to do more, but we have to understand that sometimes doing less but targeted can be more effective than doing more but overly general. There's no perfect answer to this question. It's entirely up to our clinical judgment. If we struggle to make an unbiased judgment under any circumstances, it's time to bring this up for supervision. The client's well-being, as measured by their progress, is and should always our main priority. 2 cents. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthprofessionals #psychology #clinicalpsychologist #reflection #learning #thinkthoughts #linkedin
You raise valid points about the limitations of adhering too rigidly to any one therapeutic modality without consideration for the client's specific needs. I agree that an openness to using techniques from multiple approaches is often essential for effectively supporting a client's growth and healing. No single modality has all the answers. The reminder to consider feasibility is also so important. Sometimes in our desire to thoroughly address all aspects of a client's struggles, we do inadvertently bite off more than we can realistically chew in the limited time available. Prioritizing the one or two root issues that will create the biggest ripple effects towards healing is wise.
It's probably scarier that some "therapists" out there are only taught one modality and just rely on it Ivan Lee. When all you have is a hammer, everything starts looking like nails.
Agreeing that therapists can have more tools up their sleeves and "switch gears" when a modality does not match well with a client. And also, having the humbleness and awareness to refer or seek supervision, even peer ones when they feel stuck
Using an Eclectic Approach is the key and making alterations in therapy plans if something is not helping the client is necessary. And ofcourse using our referential skills is a must when we know what our limitations are.
Autistic OCD Therapist (MBACP) @ Lived Experience OCD Therapy
8moI work as an integrative therapist, meaning I use a combination of CBT and person-centered counselling in my work. The reality is that we can only work within the modalities in which we have been trained. Either clients respond well to these or they don't. For the most part I find that my clients stay with me for quite a long time and the evidence is that they benefit from the approaches I use. Ultimately, we usually know when clients don't feel they are getting anything from our work because they will leave us.