A Case Conceptualization Using Thematic Mapping

Abstract

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. Overall, this article aims to demonstrate how thematic mapping utilizes transtheoretical and transdiagnostic approaches to create a case formulation that is client-centered, process-oriented, and useful across a broad spectrum of training.

The Conceptual Framework of Thematic Mapping in Case Conceptualization

“…The article introduces the protocol and implementation of thematic mapping in detail. The special section concludes with the fifth article, A Case Conceptualization Using Thematic Mapping (Jeffrey & Ridley, ). The article thoroughly describes a case in which thematic mapping was used.…”

“…The framework addresses the current shortcomings in case formulation as discussed in the preceding articles of this series, Thematic Mapping in Case Conceptualization: An Introduction to the Special Section and Case Mis‐Conceptualization in Psychological Treatment: An Enduring Clinical Problem . This article also precedes The Process of Thematic Mapping in Case Conceptualization and A Case Conceptualization Using Thematic Mapping , which respectively explain and demonstrate the method that emanates from this approach's conceptual framework (Jeffrey & Ridley, ; Ridley & Jeffrey, ; Ridley, Jeffrey, & Roberson, ; Ridley, Jeffrey, & Roberson, ). The effectiveness of the method principally depends on the integrity of its conceptual framework, followed by the competence of clinicians in using the method.…”

The Process of Thematic Mapping in Case Conceptualization

“…Overall, the method is straightforward, easy to implement, and has the potential to contribute to the advancement of psychotherapy. In the next and final article of this series, A Case Conceptualization Using Thematic Mapping , Jeffrey and Ridley () illustrate the full process of thematic mapping with a real client struggling with recurring depression and severe anxiety.…”

“…While the establishment of an empirical foundation for thematic mapping is currently underway, the framework and process of the model is structured on existing evidence‐based characteristics of case formulation that the authors believe are invaluable to practice. The subsequent, and final, article of this series provides a detailed example of how a practitioner incorporated existing evidence‐based practice into thematic mapping with a therapeutic client (Jeffrey & Ridley, ). The preceding article of this series details several of the evidence‐based characteristics of the thematic mapping framework; this section briefly overviews the role of several evidence‐based traits of the thematic mapping process.…”

“…It also precedes the final article of this series. The article thoroughly details a case study in which a clinician used thematic mapping with a client in a community mental health setting (Jeffrey & Ridley, ).…”