NCMHCE - Theories and Techniques
Short-Term Goals/Treatments -
Focus is not increased function, but restoration of function. Should have potential to reduce sx and
develop coping skills (if stressor lies outside the control of the client).
Intermediate Goals/Treatments -
Focus on transferring progress already made to a different setting/relationship. Anything that builds
up a short-term goal.
Long-Term Goals -
Implications of change in deeply ingrained patterns and responses. Deep intrapsychic conflicts may
be resolved.
Relationship Between Level of Function and Goals -
The lower the client's level of function, the more specific the goals must be. High functioning, the
goals may be general. Reality testing differentiates low functioning from moderate functioning. Meeting
role obligations differentiates moderate functioning from high functioning.
Selecting Appropriate Interventions -
Efficient and effective help for the client is the objective. Techniques should be selected that
provide the greatest reductions in symptoms, largest increase in function, and most reduction in
stressors.
Person-Centered Techniques -
For use with high functioning.
For use with situational disorders or involving self-esteem/confidence and help in goal setting.
Techniques: acceptance, unconditional positive regard, empathy, reflection, support, clarification, open-
ended, modeling, rapport building.
Behavioral Therapy -
, Targets Dysfunctional Behaviors
Works by altering actions. If the simulation describes sx in terms of behaviors, use behavioral. For use
with low to moderate functioning. (Eating, CD, Substance, Impulse, Conflict, Phobias, Sexual, Suicidal,
Relapse, some Sleep. When used WITH Cognitive, helpful for Depression, Anxiety, early Personality)
Techniques: Baseline, Contracts, diaries, aversion, consequences, reinforcement schedules,
incompatible alternatives, flooding, in vivo, biofeedback, relaxation, role-play, modeling, assertiveness,
token, activity schedule.)
Tracking Improvement/monitoring -
Self-report/review of data.
Compliance with tx, appointments, referrals.
Lessening of symptoms.
Improvement of functioning (affective and cognitive)
Accessing information from other treatment providers; medications, social interactions, energy level,
mood graph
Cognitive Dysfunction -
When symptoms are described in terms of cognitive dysfunction, the need for a cognitive technique
is indicated.
Rational Emotive Therapy -
Useful for the treatment of Depression, Anxiety mild situational Disorders and Bulimia
Cognitive Techniques are Contraindicated When... -
Family has a history of bipolar, scizophrenia, cognitive disorder, or mental retardation.
Cognitive Techniques -
Analysis of dysfunctional thinking patterns, cognitive restructuring, hypothesis testing,
mental/emotional imagery, modeling, thought stopping, meditation, self-talk, record of dysfunctional
thoughts, diaries, letter writing, rating systems, hourly mood graph, affirmations, systematic assessment
of alternatives, grid evaluations.
Short-Term Goals/Treatments -
Focus is not increased function, but restoration of function. Should have potential to reduce sx and
develop coping skills (if stressor lies outside the control of the client).
Intermediate Goals/Treatments -
Focus on transferring progress already made to a different setting/relationship. Anything that builds
up a short-term goal.
Long-Term Goals -
Implications of change in deeply ingrained patterns and responses. Deep intrapsychic conflicts may
be resolved.
Relationship Between Level of Function and Goals -
The lower the client's level of function, the more specific the goals must be. High functioning, the
goals may be general. Reality testing differentiates low functioning from moderate functioning. Meeting
role obligations differentiates moderate functioning from high functioning.
Selecting Appropriate Interventions -
Efficient and effective help for the client is the objective. Techniques should be selected that
provide the greatest reductions in symptoms, largest increase in function, and most reduction in
stressors.
Person-Centered Techniques -
For use with high functioning.
For use with situational disorders or involving self-esteem/confidence and help in goal setting.
Techniques: acceptance, unconditional positive regard, empathy, reflection, support, clarification, open-
ended, modeling, rapport building.
Behavioral Therapy -
, Targets Dysfunctional Behaviors
Works by altering actions. If the simulation describes sx in terms of behaviors, use behavioral. For use
with low to moderate functioning. (Eating, CD, Substance, Impulse, Conflict, Phobias, Sexual, Suicidal,
Relapse, some Sleep. When used WITH Cognitive, helpful for Depression, Anxiety, early Personality)
Techniques: Baseline, Contracts, diaries, aversion, consequences, reinforcement schedules,
incompatible alternatives, flooding, in vivo, biofeedback, relaxation, role-play, modeling, assertiveness,
token, activity schedule.)
Tracking Improvement/monitoring -
Self-report/review of data.
Compliance with tx, appointments, referrals.
Lessening of symptoms.
Improvement of functioning (affective and cognitive)
Accessing information from other treatment providers; medications, social interactions, energy level,
mood graph
Cognitive Dysfunction -
When symptoms are described in terms of cognitive dysfunction, the need for a cognitive technique
is indicated.
Rational Emotive Therapy -
Useful for the treatment of Depression, Anxiety mild situational Disorders and Bulimia
Cognitive Techniques are Contraindicated When... -
Family has a history of bipolar, scizophrenia, cognitive disorder, or mental retardation.
Cognitive Techniques -
Analysis of dysfunctional thinking patterns, cognitive restructuring, hypothesis testing,
mental/emotional imagery, modeling, thought stopping, meditation, self-talk, record of dysfunctional
thoughts, diaries, letter writing, rating systems, hourly mood graph, affirmations, systematic assessment
of alternatives, grid evaluations.
