The Complete Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner (PracticePlanners®)

Every chapter begins with definitions of clinical problems for which a client may be seeking treatment. This is followed by a list of possible long term goals for addressing the client's behavior. The planner then delineates specific measurable behaviors necessary for problem resolution with numerous therapeutic interventions for assisting the clients in achieving both short and long term objectives. Each chapter discusses a particular client complaint or the reason for entering treatment. The authors include 39 adult behaviorally based problems - a comprehensive list in the treatment of adults - including such problems as depression, anger management, low self-esteem, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, intimate relationship conflicts, and grief and loss issues. Diagnostic suggestions are given at the end of each chapter to aid the clinician with possible DSM IV diagnosis for the behaviorally based problem.

This treatment planner, in a user-friendly workbook format, will be a definite asset for clinicians in the development of timely, specific, client-based treatment planning. If you have not seen this planner (as well as the many others in this author's treatment planning series), be sure to do so. It will contribute significantly to your efficiency in providing care for your clients.


Concerned   April 6, 2000
30 out of 42 found this review helpful

While I very much agree with the need for treatment planning, I am concerned by this book that therapy is reduced to a checklist, mechanical approach. Relationship and relational variables are underrepresented. Or course, MCO's require this more specified approach, but books (and series) such as the "Complete" Treatment Planner reduce our professional work to an easier-than-it-really-is perspective, and as a result, devalue professional experience as well as client/patient contibutions and collaborations in psychotherapy. While I appreciate the author's attempts to simplify a rather complex undertaking, is is disturbing to see psychotherapy presented almost like auto mechanics. I understand that Jonqsma and Peterson fill a need but the format and construction of this book leave me wondering about the human side of the psychotherapy endeavor.


Revised to Include Evidence Based Practice   September 22, 1999
Arthur E. Jongsma Jr. (Grand Rapids, MI USA)
48 out of 49 found this review helpful

This 4th edition of the Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner has been revised to include Evidence Based Treatment (EBT) Objectives and Interventions. The latest research evidence has been integrated into the content of most of the chapters. Those Objectives and Interventions that go beyond "Best Practice" to being based on replicable reseach results are highlighted with an EBT symbol. Now the reader can be assured that all the latest research has been reviewed and suggestions for treatment based on successful results are noted in those chapters where research evidence exists. Where there is not sufficient research evidence available for a presenting problem, best practice interventions continue to be suggested. As federal funding sources as well as some other third party payers are beginning to insist on treatment based on research evidence, this Planner offers just such Interventions.

Please be reminded that all of our psychotherapy suggestions assume a compassionate relationship of empathy that is crucial for effective treatment. Good psychotherapists realize the critical importance of a therapeutic relationship while delivering research informed treatment.