Case Conceptualization

Question 1

Hierarchy of needs

Answer 1

• Physiological needs: food, water, warmth, rest
• Safety needs
• Belongingness and love needs
• Esteem needs: prestige and feeling of accomplishment
• Self-actualization: achieving one’s full potential

Understanding which needs are unmet for a client is important in case conceptualization so that the therapist isn’t setting goals for a higher need before lower needs are met.

Example of applying awareness of needs:
Client reports need for belongingness
* potential barriers: irrational beliefs, emotions interfere with accessing support from others
* relationship/communication skills deficit
* symptoms interfere with accessing support

Question 2

Problem list

Answer 2

A list of "problems" identified in the initial interview. Can include: symptoms, impairment, problems reported or not reported by the client.
Benefits:
    * structure time/prioritize
    * can track progress
    * insurance/billing purposes

Question 3

Biopsychosocial model

Answer 3

The biopsychosocial model is a way or organizing client problems into categories: biological, psychological, and social in case conceptualization.

Question 4

Spheres of influence

Answer 4

• try to gather information from almost all spheres
• view individual as embedded within their social and cultural context.

Spheres of influence are factors that influence a client:

• self
• partner and children
• extended family
• friends, neighbors, acquaintances
• employers, schools, professional acquaintances
• government and social networks
• interactive network/service providers

Question 5

Integrated model of CBT-ABC

Answer 5

The integrated model is a practical approach to case conceptualization.
Antecedent events - beliefs - behaviors - consequences
(Both behaviors and emotions are consequences)
Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can all be triggers (antecedent events) for each other.

Question 6

Why is the integrated model helpful?

Answer 6

• Identifies specific targets for intervention
  
  • challenge unhelpful beliefs
  • change behavior
  • manage emotions in an adaptive way
• Helps you conceptualize links between events, beliefs, behaviors, emotions and consequences
• Help client see links between events, beliefs, behaviors, emotions and other consequences