In 1995, weary of negotiating with case reviewers, worn down by stressing my clients deficits in order to obtain payment for further sessions, and reeling from events in my personal life, I made the agonizing decision to close my practice. I made a promise to myself on the painful day that I closed my office door for the last time that if I ever were to work with clients again, I would never compromise my values in order to obtain payment for my services. Brief Treatment from my view refers to therapy that is conducted in as time-effective manner as possible ranging from 1 to 20 sessions. The rapid rise of managed care not only makes utilization of brief treatment methods desirable, but necessary. As more and more providers of health care find their referrals increasingly limited by managed care companies, we are responding by attempting to adapt and adjust to the requirements of managed care.
Goals are limited and are typically identified by the client.
The therapist's interventions are generally focused and present centered. The therapist is both active and flexible. The therapist encourages the client to practice new skills. Both assessments and interventions occur promptly. The duration of treatment is limited to between one and twenty sessions.