Chalkboard case conceptualization: A method for integrating clinical data.

Abstract

Learning to obtain, evaluate, and synthesize information ahout clients (i.e., case conceptualization) are essential competencies for therapists. We have presented a theory-driven and flexible clinical supervision method (Chalkboard Case Conceptualization, CCC) for teaching supervisees to synthesize clinical data into an integrative understanding of the client, assimilate clinical theory and empirical findings into clinical practice, and foster supervisees' cognitive reasoning in a clinical context. A client example is used to illustrate the CCC process and implementation. Adaptations of CCC for individual, group, and family therapy, and for training supervisors to conceptualize their supervisees are offered. Strengths and limitations are discussed along with suggestions for future research on the CCC method.

The Process of Thematic Mapping in Case Conceptualization

“…Several studies note that assessments to measure the direct influence of case formulation on attrition or treatment outcomes are generally insufficient, poorly defined, or underresearched (Ellis, Hutman, & Deihl ; Nattrass, Kellett, Hardy, & Ricketts, ; Ridley & Jeffrey, ). Consequently, the authors enthusiastically welcome further research in this area.…”

“…One notable generic model, created by Ellis et al. (), is the chalkboard case conceptualization. This method was designed to train supervisees to integrate and synthesize clinical data, use theory and empirical findings in case formulation, and improve their cognitive reasoning.…”

“…However, as highlighted in the previous articles of this series, a firm evidence base for the majority of existing case formulation models is lacking (Eells, ; Johnstone, ; Kazdin, ). Part of this limitation is due to a lack of measures to evaluate the effectiveness of case formulation, although several theory‐specific models have been put to the test (Ellis et al., ; Haarhoff, Flett, & Gibson, ; Muñoz‐Martinez & Novoa‐Gómez, ; Nattrass et al., ).…”

A Case Conceptualization Using Thematic Mapping

“…As it stands, there is little existing evidence of the direct effect of case formulation on treatment process and outcomes due to the many mediators that inevitably affect therapy, although many studies explore such relationships (Ellis et al., ; Nattrass, Kellett, Hardy, & Ricketts, ; Ridley et al., ). Because these measurement limitations and the fact that Jane did not participate in a structured research study at the time of treatment, data to support that Jane's positive therapeutic outcomes significantly resulted from thematic mapping are not substantially present.…”

“…In addition to a thorough description of the activities carried out in each of these stages, the fourth article offers several alternative case formulation models for comparison to thematic mapping, including models that are theory‐specific, generic, and hybrid (e.g., Ellis, Hutman, & Deihl, ; Kuyken, Padesky, & Dudley, ; Schwitzer, ; Summers, ).…”