Title: Perceptual adjustment therapy
First published: 1995
Description: Perceptual Adjustment Therapy (PAT) is designed specifically for addictions treatment professionals and those in related fields. A unique synthesis of Adlerian psychology, Gestalt Therapy, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming, PAT offers the therapist a faster method for information-gathering and shows how that information can be more beneficial.

PAT uses a client's early memories as a road map of perceptions - an indicator of the client's belief system and the guiding fictions that build perceptual filters to support those beliefs. These perceptions are used to identify and understand an individual's positive intents, the underlying positive desires that they really want to fulfill.

Through various techniques borrowed from Gestalt Therapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming, PAT, shows the therapies how to assist the client in achieving integration and wholeness.

Because it offers individualized treatment in an accelerated time frame, PAT is extremely valuable for professionals working under the constraints of managed care, oversized caseloads, and stressful institutional environments.

Appropriate applications for PAT include: employee assistance programs, social work, individual psychotherapy, inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, residential programs, follow-up counseling, and continuing education for professionals who interface with any of the aforementioned milieu. PAT is consistent with the guiding principles of most counseling disciplines and is a professional adjunct for those entering 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Subjects: Addictive Behavior, Behavior, Addictive, Compulsive behavior, Methods, Psychotherapy, Substance abuse, Therapy, Treatment, Substance abuse, treatment
LC classification: RC533 .H65 1995