Thematic Mapping in Case Conceptualization: An Introduction to the Special Section.

Case conceptualization is an essential clinical activity in which clinicians, in one form or another, gather and synthesize data about their clients in order to formulate clinical pictures and maximize therapeutic gains. However, a myriad of methods of case conceptualization that vary in complexity and theoretical bases currently reflects an almost complete lack of standardization in this most fundamental activity of mental health treatment. The lack of standardization in case conceptualization is especially daunting to trainees and clinicians who are early in their careers.

The Conceptual Framework of Thematic Mapping in Case Conceptualization.

This article, the 3rd in a series of 5, introduces the conceptual framework for thematic mapping, a novel approach to case conceptualization. The framework is transtheoretical in that it is not constrained by the tenets or concepts of any one therapeutic orientation and transdiagnostic in that it conceptualizes clients outside the constraints of diagnostic criteria. Thematic mapping comprises 4 components: a definition, foundational principles, defining features, and core concepts.

The Process of Thematic Mapping in Case Conceptualization.

This article, the 4th in a series of 5, introduces the 3-stage process of thematic mapping: theme identification, theme interpretation, and theme intervention. Theme identification is based on inductive reasoning, in which clinicians seek to discover and describe behavioral patterns in emotionally charged episodes. Theme interpretation subsequently initiates a process of deductive reasoning, wherein clinicians distill the generalized pattern into dominant and subthemes.

A Case Conceptualization Using Thematic Mapping.

This article, the last in a series of 5, presents a detailed case summary in which thematic mapping, a novel method of case conceptualization, was used to conceptualize an adult struggling with chronic depression. The case illustrates the process and therapeutic outcomes that resulted from the therapist's use of the 3-stage thematic mapping model: theme identification, theme interpretation, and theme intervention. The article also demonstrates how the case formulation guided the therapist in selecting therapeutic techniques that matched to the client's goals, needs, and interpersonal style.

Case Mis-Conceptualization in Psychological Treatment: An Enduring Clinical Problem.

Case conceptualization, an integral component of mental health treatment, aims to facilitate therapeutic gains by formulating a clear picture of a client's psychological presentation. However, despite numerous attempts to improve this clinical activity, it remains unclear how well existing methods achieve their purported purpose. Case formulation is inconsistently defined in the literature and implemented in practice, with many methods varying in complexity, theoretical grounding, and empirical support.

Multicultural counseling competencies: an analysis of research on clients' perceptions: comment on Owen, Leach, Wampold, and Rodolfa (2011).

J. Owen, M. M.

The health disparities industry: is it an ethical conundrum?

Reducing health disparities is the purported mission of a huge network of professionals representing many specialties and organizations offering a variety of products and services. Given its elaborate infrastructure and specialized set of activities, we identity the network as the health disparities industry. In this article, we question the ethics of this industry.

Implications of a moderated common factors approach: does it move the field forward?

There are a number of similarities between the moderated common factors proposal of Sprenkle and Blow (this issue) and the multilevel, process-based therapeutic change presentation of Sexton, Ridley, and Kleiner (this issue). Despite these areas of agreement there are fundamental differences in our respective positions. We suspect that these differences are not unique to the respective authors, but instead represent the current debate in the field regarding common factors.

Beyond common factors: multilevel-process models of therapeutic change in marriage and family therapy.

A number of scholars have proposed the common factors perspective as the future direction of marriage and family therapy (MFT). Although intuitively appealing, the case for the common factors perspective is not as clear-cut as proponents portray. In its current form, the common factors perspective overlooks the multilevel nature of practice, the diversity of clients and settings, and the complexity of therapeutic change.