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Thematic Mapping Maps Much Territory But Needs Stronger Evidence-based Coordinates: A Commentary.

Authors :
Eells TD
Source :
Journal of clinical psychology [J Clin Psychol] 2017 Apr; Vol. 73 (4), pp. 425-438. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Dec 29.
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

Thematic mapping (TM) is a transtheoretical, transdiagnostic, pattern-focused method of case formulation. It involves systematically gathering a broad range relevant client information, collecting representative behavioral episodes, using inductive and deductive reasoning to identify themes and subthemes that characterize a client's dysfunctional patterns, and then developing a treatment plan to address them. The TM method includes debiasing steps to minimize clinician judgment errors and addresses a client's cultural context. TM was developed in response to several "case misconceptualizations" that the authors contend have created a crisis in the field of case conceptualization. This commentary critiques the case misconceptualizations and the TM method is evaluated. Acknowledging multiple innovations of TM, the commentary recommends a stronger evidence-based focus, and discusses the benefits of theory-guided case formulation, reasons to consider diagnosis in case formulation, and research as a means to resolve case misconceptualizations.<br /> (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1097-4679
Volume :
73
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of clinical psychology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
28032912
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22433