Bridging Case Conceptualization, Assessment, and Intervention

Many training programs assume that if students receive separate courses in research design, assessment, and counseling, they will naturally integrate this information into their work with clients. Unfortunately this mode of science-practice integration often fails. Bridging Case Conceptualization, Assessment, and Intervention presents a new approach to the integration of science and practice in clinical work. Author Scott T. Meier systematically connects case conceptualization, assessment, and analysis of intervention effects. This integrative approach differs from traditional methods of teaching counseling in its emphasis on the inclusion of assessment data in the intervention process. This innovative, transtheoretical volume examines Key elements of conceptualization, assessment, and analysis The role of structured feedback in the clinical process Outcome elements for multiple and selected problems Assessment methods and psychometric principles Graphical, qualitative, and quantitative analytic techniques Numerous case studies Possible future directions for science-practice efforts Bridging Case Conceptualization, Assessment, and Intervention provides an effective method for thinking about, organizing, and focusing on the key elements of counseling processes and outcomes. By integrating case conceptualization and assessment data into intervention decisions, students and clinicians will understand when and why counseling is ineffective and have a basis for adjusting treatment to improve clinical outcomes. With its emphasis on concepts and procedure, Bridging Case Conceptualization, Assessment, and Intervention is intended as a manual for students in psychology, psychiatry, social work, or counseling and practicing psychotherapists, psychiatrists, or counselors.

Table of Contents:
Preface 1. Introduction Building Upon Traditional Nomothetic Approaches Assumptions and Values Basic Tasks 2. Case Conceptualization What Information is Needed? Sources of Information for Conceptualization Creating a Case Conceptualization A Conceptualization Example Treatment Failure Summary and Cautions 3. Clinical Assessment General Measurement Principles Types of Assessments and Tests Ruling Out Methods Units of Measurement Creating a Clinical Assessment Begin With the Case Conceptualization Explicate Constructs Measure Behaviors Collect As Much Data As Feasible Summary and Cautions 4. Analyses of Clinical Data Analyses Related to Outcome Analyses Related to Conceptualization Analyses Related to Assessment Data Patterns Computer Systems Summary and Cautions 5. Alternative Explanations Issues in Case Conceptualization Issues in Clinical Assessment Issues in Analytic Judgements Summary 6. Possible Futures How Change Might Occur Obstacles to Change Research Into Science-Practice Integration References Index

About the Author :
Scott T. Meier is Professor and Co-Director of Training of the Program in Counseling/School Psychology, Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo. His major research and teaching areas focus on psychological assessment and testing (particularly outcome assessment), research methods (particularly program evaluation), and counseling skills (particularly the integration of case conceptualization and assessment with intervention). Meier is the author or co-author of 4 books (including the Elements of Counseling) and 40 journal articles. He is a licensed psychologist who received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 1984.