ABSTRACT
In its development, the Needs ABC model was in£uenced by the work I carried out in other clinical settings with substance abuse, gambling, and other behavioral problems. Needs ABC was designed to minimize client-therapist contextual resistance and to form, as quickly as possible, a positive therapeutic alliance with those in attendance (Henry & Strupp, 1994, pp. 51-84; Nichols, 1987, pp. 272-296). Joining with the client sooner rather than later would help engage the client in the collaborative problem-solving process earlier in the course of therapy, allowing more opportunity for the “practicing” and re˜ning of strategies while maintaining client engagement (Warzak, William, Parish, & Handen, 1987).
