ABSTRACT
The unfocused approach is not taught in clinical training programs, but it does occur in practice. This unsystematic questioning can occur because we are inexperienced and struggling to remember what was demonstrated in supervision, struggling with making a clear bridge from theory to practice, or struggling to find a synthesis among many theories at once. Another approach to history taking is broad based and comprehensive. Menninger's outline formed the prototype of the psychodynamic application, and updating modifications have been offered over the years. There are also behavioral cognitive systemic and integrative applications of the comprehensive model. The comprehensive history-taking approach can also help the therapist feel comfortable. Glasser's reality therapy is a cognitive-behavioral modality that uses selective history taking. His key focus is on shifting the patient's attitude toward her symptoms to one of choice and responsibility. Selective history taking takes less time than other methods. It is focused, with clear treatment significance and immediate application.
