Beyond diagnosis- and therapy-centred therapy: the case for incorporating contextual factors in psychotherapy treatment planning

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to outline a basic approach to psychotherapy treatment selection, with an emphasis on the role of contextual factors.

Method: Observations and suggestions are based on clinical work and reading of the psychiatric literature.

Conclusion: It is preferable to organize psychotherapy treatment selection around a consideration of case formulation and contextual factors rather than just diagnosis or a general preference for a purportedly superior type of therapy.

Key words::

• case formulation
• contextual factors
• psychotherapy treatment selection

DISCLOSURE

The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.