ABSTRACT
A precise case conceptualization permits a therapist to establish a specific focus for treatment intervention. Establishing such a treatment focus is analogous to switching from a floodlight, which illuminates an entire parking lot, to a spotlight, which illuminates one car within that parking lot. This treatment focus serves as a guide, or action plan, for the therapist to achieve the treatment goal. Consequently, focused treatment increases the likelihood of better treatment outcomes. “There is now a convincing body of empirical evidence indicating that therapist ability to track a problem focus consistently is associated with positive treatment outcomes” (Binder, 2004, p. 23).
