James Fitzgerald Therapy PLLC

A Detailed Overview of the Therapy Process for Individuals

By continuing to review the information on this page, you agree to and have accepted the terms of the disclaimer, insurance policies, and the information about treatment planning and homework. By continuing your use of this page and website, you are providing informed consent and agree to the terms and conditions contained herein, and are accessing the information knowingly.

Tracking Your Progress on this Plan

Audits from insurance companies are becoming increasingly common. This seems to coincide with the record numbers of people seeking therapy, counseling, and any other help with their mental health care. In many instances, insurance companies require treatment plans and documentation of a person’s progress in treatment – and that the services are medically necessary. Asking my client’s to be involved with planning their treatment, and tracking their own progress just makes sense. The benefit to you is that you become accountable for your own mental health, and empowered with autonomy, agency, and assertive confidence. If you are paying for my services, this gives you a way to hold me accountable to the work we do together. The progress tracker tool has been designed to be as convenient as possible, and is mostly a thorough checklist of interventions, lessons, and activities.

Individual Therapy Plan Progress Log

Ongoing Work

You can continue learning and practicing new skills in between sessions by completing assignments. I invite you to read books and articles, watch videos, and complete worksheets. I encourage you to keep a journal and track your progress. I recommend developing a formal or informal mindfulness and meditation practice. You can continue to assess achievement of therapy goals, the approach to therapy, and your therapy plan itself. You may be interested in relapse prevention, education, planning, and implementation. You might decide to schedule “booster” or “maintenance” sessions with me or decide to terminate once the goals have been achieved. You might decide you have more goals to reach and wish to continue therapy with me.

Note: Insurance reimbursement for services is predicated on the fact that services provided meet the medical necessity requirement.

There is some overlap of the objectives, interventions, skills, techniques, and knowledge from the approaches listed. Other approaches have an influence on the work but are not described here. The plan outlined above could take 12 weeks, 12 months, or longer. You may also need to switch from treating ADHD symptoms, to treating PTSD symptoms, to alleviating anxiety symptoms, to improving depression symptoms. Each plan is unique and specific to the person in therapy.

Treatment Plan and Progression of Therapy

The first step in our work together begins before our first full 55 minute session. You should have received, or will receive an email invitation to register for my online client portal (Therapy Portal) with the intake forms (stored in Therapy Notes – Electronic Health Records) to sign electronically for the official electronic medical records. The following forms on this page will serve as a reference only. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact me. Thank you. Legally binding forms will be stored in my EHR, and you will be asked to complete and sign the forms before our first session.

INFORMED CONSENT TO TREATMENT | TELEHEALTH CONSENT | ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION CONSENT | NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

Types of Therapy

The therapy action plan is informed by and will integrate several therapeutic approaches, sciences, and best practices.

Types of Therapy Summary and Descriptions

Issues Addressed in Therapy

ISSUES ADDRESSED

Common issues people experience that motivate them to seek out therapy. The primary problems I see the most in my practice are addiction, alcohol use, anger management, anxiety, anti-social behavior, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorders, depression, drug use, eating disorders, childhod trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, acute stress, occupational stress, financial stress, relationship problems, parenting problems, and issues arsing from their gender identity, sexual orientation, and social and cultural norms.

Review of Treating Substance Use and Cooccurring Disorders in Therapy

SAMHSA GUIDELINES

Treatment Improvement Protocol Series # 42:

Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People with Cooccurring Disorders. TIP 42 is a publication by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that provides guidance on the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) for people with co-occurring disorders (CODs). CODs are defined as the presence of a mental illness and a SUD at the same time. The TIP 42 covers a wide range of topics related to the treatment of CODs, including: Screening and assessment for CODs; Diagnosis and treatment of mental illness; Treatment of SUDs; Medication-assisted treatment (MAT); Integrated treatment; Recovery support services; and Culturally competent care

The TIP 42 emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive and integrated treatment for people with CODs. This means that treatment should address both the SUD and the mental illness, and that the treatment should be coordinated and delivered in a way that is respectful of the individual’s cultural background. The TIP 42 also provides guidance on the use of MAT for the treatment of SUDs in people with CODs. MAT is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating SUDs. The TIP 42 discusses the different types of MAT available, as well as the benefits and risks of using MAT. The TIP 42 is a valuable resource for anyone who is involved in the treatment of people with CODs. It provides up-to-date information on the latest science in the field, and it offers practical guidance on how to provide effective treatment.

Here are some of the key steps in the process of substance use disorder treatment for people with co-occurring disorders:

• Screening and assessment: The first step is to screen and assess the individual for CODs. This can be done using a variety of tools, such as the CAGE questionnaire or the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID).
• Diagnosis and treatment of mental illness: If the individual is diagnosed with a mental illness, they will need to receive treatment for that illness as well as for their SUD. The type of treatment will depend on the individual’s specific needs.
• Treatment of SUD: The individual will also need to receive treatment for their SUD. This may involve individual therapy, group therapy, or medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
• Integrated treatment: The treatment for the SUD and the mental illness should be integrated. This means that the two treatments should be coordinated and delivered in a way that is respectful of the individual’s overall needs.
• Recovery support services: The individual will also need to receive recovery support services. These services can help the individual to stay in treatment and to achieve long-term recovery.

The process of substance use disorder treatment for people with co-occurring disorders can be complex, but it is important to provide comprehensive and integrated treatment. This will help the individual to achieve long-term recovery.

Orientation to Therapy

ORIENTATION

During the first session, we will participate in an orientation and overview process to establish a foundation for the therapeutic relationship. Here’s an review of what we will discuss during the first session:

• Introduction and Background: I will provide you with information about my professional experience, including education, training, experience, and credentials. This will help you understand my qualifications and expertise.
• Therapeutic Approach: I will explain my therapeutic approach and theoretical orientation, for example, informed by cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I will discuss the theoretical framework I work within and how it guides my treatment interventions.
• Confidentiality and Privacy: I will explain the importance of confidentiality and the boundaries of privacy within the therapeutic relationship. I will discuss the legal and ethical obligations to maintain confidentiality, ensuring you that your information remains private and protected.
• Limits to Confidentiality: I will outline the limits of confidentiality, which are situations where I may be legally or ethically required to breach confidentiality. These typically include instances of imminent danger to self or others, suspected child or elder abuse, or if a court order demands the release of information.
• Informed Consent: I will need your informed consent, that therapy is a voluntary process and that you have the right to ask questions, make decisions about your treatment, and terminate therapy if desired. I will discuss the goals, potential risks, and benefits of therapy, as well as any alternative treatment options.
• Assessment and Goal Setting: I will conduct an initial assessment, gather information about your background, current concerns, symptoms, and goals. This helps in developing a treatment plan and setting therapeutic goals collaboratively.
• Treatment Plan: Based on assessments and goals we determine together, we will discuss a treatment plan, outlining the proposed interventions and strategies to address your concerns. I will explain the general structure and frequency of sessions, anticipated duration of therapy, and how progress will be monitored.
• Insurance and Payment Policies: I accept health insurance, and will discuss the insurance claim process, including any required paperwork or authorization. I will also explain my fee structure, session duration, cancellation policies, and payment options (e.g., cash, credit card, insurance).
• Other policies and processes: I will communicate my policies around electronic communication, benefits, risks, and limitations of telehealth, my personal and professional social media accounts, use of my website, use of my youtube channel, use of my client engagement app, access to the client portal on Therapy Notes, my use of an electronic health records software, late cancellation and no show policies and associated fees, and termination rules and guidelines.
• Questions and Concerns: I will invite you to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have about therapy, my approach, or any other relevant topic. This encourages open communication between us and establishes a collaborative therapeutic relationship.

It’s important to note that the specific content and order of discussion may vary due to your unique needs and my timing. The first few sessions serve as an opportunity for us to establish rapport, clarify expectations, and begin building a trusting therapeutic alliance.

Assessments

Please do not complete any assessment listed on the assessment page unless I have asked you to complete an assessment. Many of them have been adapted directly from the official testing/assessment instrument. They may require assistance in scoring and interpreting results. Thank you for your cooperation. 

Assessments (Get Started)

Click/press the button to go to a separate assessments page. Most of them are still under construction. Check back again soon.

Long Term Goals of Therapy

Psychotherapy is a powerful tool that can help individuals navigate through life’s challenges, improve their mental well-being, and achieve personal growth. However, for therapy to be truly effective, it is crucial to establish long-term goals and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This process not only provides a clear direction for therapy but also empowers the client to actively participate in their own healing journey. When embarking on the journey of psychotherapy, it’s essential for both the therapist and the client to collaborate in setting long-term goals. These goals serve as a map, outlining the desired outcomes and areas of focus for therapy. They act as beacons of hope, guiding the therapeutic process and ensuring that therapy remains purposeful and meaningful.

The process of determining long-term goals begins with the therapist and client engaging in a comprehensive assessment. This assessment involves exploring the client’s presenting issues, their personal history, and their aspirations for therapy. Through this collaborative exploration, the therapist gains a deeper understanding of the client’s unique needs and circumstances, which forms the foundation for goal setting. Long-term goals in psychotherapy are typically broad and encompassing. They may include developing healthier coping mechanisms, improving relationships, enhancing self-esteem, managing symptoms of mental health conditions, or achieving personal growth and self-actualization. These goals provide a clear vision of what the client wants to accomplish and serve as a source of motivation throughout the therapy process.

Once long-term goals are established, the next crucial step is to outline the specific objectives, strategies, interventions, and milestones that will be employed to achieve the long-term goals. It serves as a blueprint for therapy, ensuring that the therapeutic process remains organized, structured, and focused. Involving clients in the treatment planning process is important. It empowers clients to actively engage in their own healing and take ownership of their therapeutic journey. By participating in the creation of the treatment plan, clients gain a sense of agency and become active collaborators in their own growth and transformation. Moreover, active involvement and tracking progress allows clients to develop a deeper understanding of their own strengths, weaknesses, and patterns of behavior. It enables them to recognize the progress they have made and identify areas that may require further attention. This self-awareness is an essential ingredient for lasting change and personal development.

Tracking progress is a vital component of the therapy process, as it allows both you and your therapist to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment plan. By regularly assessing progress, adjustments can be made to the therapeutic approach if necessary, ensuring that therapy remains aligned with your evolving needs and goals. To track progress effectively, you can keep a journal, maintain a list of specific achievements or milestones, or engage in regular self-reflection exercises. The website has a link to an online form you can use to track your progress. These practices not only help you, the client monitor their progress, but also fosters a sense of accountability and personal responsibility.

In conclusion, determining long-term goals for psychotherapy and creating a treatment plan are crucial steps in the therapeutic process. They provide direction, motivation, and structure to therapy, allowing the client to actively participate in their own healing journey. By involving the client in goal setting and tracking their progress, they become empowered, gain self-awareness, and foster a sense of ownership over their personal growth. Ultimately, the collaborative effort between therapist and client, with a clear focus on long-term goals, maximizes the potential for positive change and lasting transformation.

Long Term Goals of Therapy

LONG TERM GOALS

The Link sends you to a page with a list of many people’s common goals for therapy. Including but not limited to the following goals: improvement in life satisfaction, reduced severity of symptoms and behaviors, improvements in relationships, developing resiliency and coping skills for stress, ability to regulate emotions and tolerate distress, improved occupation satisfaction, reduced frequency of symptoms and behaviors, and reduced duration of the symptoms and behaviors. Let’s discuss the importance of determining long-term goals for psychotherapy and creating a treatment plan.

Creating Treatment Plan Objectives

The process of beginning to formulate your treatment plan by identifying objectives to plan. The objectives in a psychotherapy treatment plan are designed to address your specific needs and concerns while providing a roadmap for the therapeutic process. The objectives section of a psychotherapy treatment plan outlines specific, measurable, and achievable goals that guide the therapeutic process and measure progress towards desired outcomes. These objectives are based on the client’s presenting concerns, assessment findings, and collaborative discussions between the therapist and client. The objectives section typically includes the following elements:

Client-centered approach:

The objectives section should reflect the client’s individual needs, preferences, and goals for therapy. It is important to align the objectives with the client’s unique circumstances, values, and aspirations to foster their engagement and motivation in the therapeutic process.

Clear and specific objectives:

Each objective should be clear, concise, and specific, addressing the particular areas of concern identified in the assessment phase. Goals should be formulated in a way that is understandable to the client and measurable so that progress can be tracked effectively.

Realistic and attainable objectives:

Objectives should be realistic and attainable within the timeframe of therapy. They should take into account the client’s strengths, limitations, and external factors that may influence progress. Setting achievable goals helps maintain motivation and prevents potential discouragement or frustration.

Measurable outcomes:

Objectives should include measurable indicators that allow for the assessment of progress. These indicators can be observable behaviors, changes in symptoms or distress levels, improvements in functioning, or the acquisition of specific skills.

Timeframe and deadlines:

It can be beneficial to include a timeframe or deadlines for achieving specific objectives. This provides a sense of structure and accountability, enabling both the therapist and client to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.

Hierarchical organization:

Objectives should be organized in a logical and hierarchical manner, starting with the most pressing or fundamental issues and progressing towards broader goals. This allows for a step-by-step approach, ensuring that smaller objectives are achieved to facilitate progress towards larger goals.

Flexibility and adaptability:

The objectives section should acknowledge that therapy is a dynamic process, and goals may need to be modified or expanded as new insights emerge or circumstances change. Flexibility and adaptability allow for the ongoing refinement of objectives to ensure their relevance and effectiveness.

Collaborative approach:

The objectives section should be developed collaboratively between the therapist and client. The client’s input, feedback, and agreement are crucial to ensure that the objectives align with their expectations, desires, and motivation for therapy. Collaborative goal-setting fosters a sense of ownership and partnership in the therapeutic process.

Common Treatment Plan Objectives

Treatment Plan Objectives

It is important to note that the objectives in a treatment plan are not set in stone but should be regularly reviewed, discussed, and adjusted as therapy progresses. Open communication between the therapist and client throughout the treatment process allows for ongoing evaluation and modification of the objectives to meet the client’s evolving needs and goals. Following is a summary describing the objectives typically included in a psychotherapy treatment plan:

Establish rapport and build a therapeutic alliance:

The primary objective at the beginning of therapy is to establish a trusting and collaborative relationship between the client and therapist. Building rapport creates a safe and supportive environment that facilitates open communication and encourages the client’s engagement in the therapeutic process. 

Identify and Understand Core Issues:

Collaboratively explore and identify the underlying causes, patterns, and triggers of the client’s difficulties. Gain insight into the body sensations, maladaptive thoughts, uncomfortable emotions, and unwanted behaviors that contribute to their current challenges. At this point, a health home questionnaire may be reviewed or completed. I will ask you about family of origin, adverse childhood experiences, traumatic events, peer influences, social-cultural-political-religious influences, law enforcement and criminal justice involvement, corections or incarceration history, academics and education, job training and/or employment history, past and present socioeconomic status/class, social networks of friends and peers, race and/or ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation, intimate-romantic-sexual relationship history and current status and type.

Assess and diagnose:

A crucial objective is to conduct a thorough assessment to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s psychological and emotional state. This involves gathering information about their presenting concerns, personal history, and any relevant factors contributing to their current difficulties. A precise diagnosis, when applicable, helps guide treatment planning and interventions. Disclose any history of substance use that may contribute to the presenting problems and complicate therapy. Provide behavioral, emotional, and attitudinal information toward an assessment of specifiers relevant to a DSM diagnosis, the efficacy of treatment, and the nature of the therapy relationship.

This is important to remember:

In order for me to file claims with your insurance and get reimbursed or credit toward your deductible, services must meet the requirement for medical necessity, and your current problems have to be causing mild, moderate, or severe impact on your daily functioning in one or more of the following life domains: social, educational/academic, occupational, relationships. I have to provide a diagnosis to justify the servive

Assess for Pharmacological Interventions

Evaluate the client’s need and desire for psychotropic medication and, if indicated, arrange for a medication evaluation by a physician or psychiatrist. Collaborate with the client’s prescribing physician to provide any relevant information. Secure an authorization to release protected health information. Monitor and evaluate the client’s psychotropic medication compliance, effectiveness, and side effects; communicate with prescribing physician.

Set clear and measurable goals:

Objectives in a psychotherapy treatment plan should be specific, realistic, and measurable. Collaboratively, the client and therapist establish treatment goals that align with the client’s aspirations and address their primary concerns. These goals provide direction and serve as benchmarks for progress throughout therapy. Goals can and will change over time, so they should be reviewed at least every 30 (min) to 90 days (max).

Symptom reduction and emotional regulation:

Many individuals seek therapy to alleviate distressing symptoms or emotional challenges. Objectives in a treatment plan often include reducing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or intrusive thoughts. Developing healthy coping strategies and improving emotional regulation skills are important components of this objective.

Enhance self-awareness and insight:

Another objective is to help the client gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their patterns of thinking and behavior, and the factors contributing to their difficulties. By exploring underlying thoughts, beliefs, and emotions, therapy aims to promote self-awareness and insight, leading to personal growth and positive change.

Increase knowledge of human experience and behavior

One of the most important aspect of therapy is teaching clients how to be their own therapist. Psychoeducation and bibliotherapy should be a regular part of any treatment plan. An objective that would increase knowledge of human experience and behavior would be to learn about and be able to verbalize most of the following: cognitive distortions; common internal subconscious parts – exiles, managers, and firefighters; cognitive biases; logical fallacies; emotional experiences; and central nervous system processes.

Verbalize an Accurate Understanding of the Diagnosed Disorders:

Consistent with the counselor’s integrative approach and/or holding fidelity with the prescribed treatment models, process how cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and/or other factors (e.g., prior relationships, genetics, family history, etc.) contribute to the diagnosed disorders.

Address Maladaptive Patterns and Behaviors:

Identify and challenge negative and self-defeating thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to the client’s distress. Replace maladaptive patterns with more adaptive alternatives to promote healthier functioning.

Process and resolve unresolved grief/loss:

Explore unresolved grief that may be contributing to the client’s current distress. Provide a supportive environment to express and process these emotions, facilitate emotional healing, and promote integration and acceptance.

Process and resolve unresolved emotional issues:

Explore unresolved emotional conflicts or traumas that may be contributing to the client’s current distress. Provide a supportive environment to express and process these emotions, facilitate emotional healing, and promote integration and acceptance.

Develop and improve coping skills:

Psychotherapy often focuses on equipping clients with effective coping strategies to manage stress, conflicts, and challenges in their lives. Objectives may include developing healthy communication skills, assertiveness training, problem-solving techniques, stress management techniques, or relaxation exercises

Learn and Implement Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills.

Problem-Solving Therapy by D’Zurilla and Nezu. Psychoeducation, modeling, and role-playing. “Applying Problem-Solving to Interpersonal Conflict” in the
Adult Psychotherapy Homework Planner by Jongsma). Encourage development of a positive problem orientation in which problems and solving them are viewed as a natural part of life, an opportunity to learn something, and not something to be feared, despaired, or avoided.

Enhance interpersonal relationships:

Many individuals seek therapy to improve their relationships and develop healthier patterns of relating to others. Objectives may involve improving communication skills, setting boundaries, or building more fulfilling and supportive connections with others.

Learn and Implement Conflict Resolution Skills

Learn conflict resolution skills, non-violent communication through an IFS lens (e.g., empathy, active listening, “a part of feels messages,” respectful
communication, assertiveness without passivity or aggression, compromise); use psychoeducation, modeling, role-playing, and rehearsal to work through several current conflicts; assign homework exercises; review and repeat so as to integrate their use into your life. Resolve symptoms related to
interpersonal problems through the use of reassurance and support, clarification of cognitive and affective triggers that ignite conflicts, and active problem-solving. “Applying Problem-Solving to Interpersonal Conflict” in the Adult Psychotherapy Homework Planner by Jongsma.

Increase self-esteem and self-acceptance:

Therapy can aim to improve self-esteem and foster self-acceptance. Objectives may involve challenging negative self-perceptions, developing self-compassion, building self-confidence, and promoting a more positive self-image.

Promote Overall Well-being:

Encourage the client to prioritize self-care, including physical health, relaxation techniques, and healthy lifestyle choices. Address any other relevant areas impacting the client’s well-being, such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Teach grounding, mindfulness skills, meditation, yoga poses, and breathing techniques.

Evaluate Progress and Treatment Efficacy:

Regularly assess and evaluate the client’s progress toward the established treatment goals. Modify interventions as needed based on the client’s feedback and response to treatment. Update the treatment plan every 90 days.

Relapse prevention and long-term stability:

For clients who have experienced recurrent difficulties or are recovering from a specific issue, the treatment plan may include objectives related to relapse prevention and long-term stability. This could involve identifying triggers, developing a relapse prevention plan, and building resilience to maintain progress achieved in therapy.

Termination and aftercare planning:

As therapy progresses, the treatment plan should include objectives related to the termination phase. This involves preparing the client for the conclusion of therapy and ensuring that they have appropriate support and resources in place for continued growth and well-being after therapy ends.

Interventions in the Treatment Plan

The interventions section of a psychotherapy treatment plan outlines the specific therapeutic techniques, strategies, and activities that will be utilized to address the client’s goals and objectives. These interventions are selected based on the client’s presenting concerns, assessment findings, theoretical orientation of the therapist, and the collaborative agreement between the therapist and client. It is important to note that the selection of interventions should be tailored to the client’s individual needs, preferences, and goals. The therapist’s expertise and experience, as well as ongoing collaboration with the client, will help determine the most appropriate and effective interventions for their specific situation. The interventions section should be flexible, allowing for modifications as needed based on the client’s progress and evolving therapeutic needs. The interventions section typically includes the following elements:

Therapeutic approaches and modalities:

Specify the therapeutic approaches or modalities that will be employed during the therapy sessions. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, internal family systems therapy, or other evidence-based practices.

Specific techniques and activities:

Detail the specific techniques and activities that will be utilized to address the client’s needs. This may include psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques, visualization exercises, role-playing, journaling, guided imagery, art therapy, mindfulness exercises, or exposure-based interventions.

Frequency and duration of sessions:

Specify the frequency and duration of therapy sessions, indicating how often and for how long the client will engage in therapy. This may include weekly sessions of 60 minutes, bi-weekly sessions, or any other arrangement that best suits the client’s needs.

Homework assignments:

Outline the homework assignments or therapeutic activities that will be given to the client between sessions. These assignments may include self-reflection exercises, behavioral experiments, practicing new coping skills, journaling, or reading relevant materials to support the therapeutic process.

Psychoeducation:

Describe the psychoeducational interventions that will be provided to the client. This may involve educating the client about their diagnosis, teaching them about the underlying mechanisms of their difficulties, or providing information on coping strategies, communication skills, or self-care practices.

Skill-building:

Identify the specific skills that will be targeted and developed during therapy. This may include assertiveness training, emotion regulation skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, stress management techniques, or other relevant skills to enhance the client’s overall well-being and functioning.

Emotional exploration and processing:

Specify the techniques that will be employed to facilitate emotional exploration, expression, and processing. This may involve encouraging the client to explore and verbalize their emotions, practicing emotional regulation techniques, utilizing imagery or narrative techniques, or using experiential interventions such as gestalt therapy or psychodrama.

Relationship-focused interventions:

If the client’s goals involve improving interpersonal relationships, describe the specific interventions that will be used. This may include role-playing, communication exercises, exploring attachment patterns, addressing family dynamics, or practicing conflict resolution strategies.

Crisis management and safety planning:

If applicable, include interventions related to crisis management and safety planning. Specify the steps to be taken in case of a crisis, the emergency contact information, and strategies for managing any potential risks or safety concerns.

Evaluation and feedback:

Clarify the methods that will be used to assess the client’s progress and gather feedback throughout the therapy process. This may include regular check-ins, questionnaires, outcome measures, or collaborative discussions to ensure the effectiveness of the interventions and make any necessary adjustments.

Specific and Detailed Treatment Plan Interventions:

Psychoeducation involves providing clients with information about their specific concerns, diagnoses, or psychological processes. It helps clients gain knowledge and understanding of their difficulties, enabling them to make informed decisions and participate actively in their treatment. Psychoeducation may include teaching coping skills, stress management techniques, or providing resources for self-help.

Treatment Plan Interventions

Somatic (Physical Body) Interventions:

These interventions focus on the body, aiming to promote awareness, relaxation, and regulation of bodily sensations. Examples include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, massage therapy, and biofeedback. Sensorimotor interventions target the connection between the body and mind, emphasizing the importance of bodily experiences in psychological well-being. Techniques such as sensorimotor psychotherapy and somatic experiencing help individuals process and release physical and emotional tension stored in the body. The polyvagal theory informs interventions that address the autonomic nervous system’s role in regulating emotions and social engagement. Techniques such as grounding exercises, breathwork, and self-soothing strategies can help regulate the nervous system and promote a sense of safety and calm.

Daily Practice of Meditation and Breathing Techniques

The teachings and resources you need to begin a formal practice of meditation and mindfulness, guided by others, and especially helpful if you have difficulty staying still for any length of time.

Guided Meditation

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

Interventions that incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques aim to promote self-awareness, reduce stress, and enhance emotional regulation. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery help clients develop mindfulness skills and increase their ability to tolerate distressing emotions. These interventions recognize the interplay between mental and physical health. Practices like mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, tai chi, and qigong foster a mind-body connection, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being.

Emotional interventions:

These interventions target the identification, expression, and regulation of emotions. Techniques such as emotion-focused therapy (EFT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and internal family systems therapy (IFS) help individuals explore and process emotions, develop emotional awareness, and enhance emotional regulation skills.

Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions:

Cognitive-behavioral interventions focus on identifying and modifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to distress. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, thought challenging, and behavioral experiments help clients develop more adaptive thinking and behavior patterns.

Interpersonal Interventions:

Interpersonal interventions target improving the client’s interpersonal relationships and communication skills. Techniques may involve role-playing, assertiveness training, or exploring relational patterns and attachment styles to enhance healthy connections with others.

Strategies to Overcome Under Functioning vs Over Functioning Dynamic:

Spiritual interventions:

These interventions address a person’s spiritual or existential concerns and beliefs. Practices may include meditation, contemplative exercises, exploring meaning and purpose, and integrating spiritual values into therapy to foster a sense of connection, transcendence, and personal growth.

Social/Cultural Interventions:

Social and cultural interventions target improving the client’s social relationships, connection to a community, and honoring cultural traditions of healing and interaction with your culture’s groups. Techniques may involve planning and implementing gatherings, celebrations, and ceremonies in order to connect you with your community and culture, considered as a source of strength for many.

Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Planning:

Interventions related to relapse prevention and aftercare planning focus on equipping clients with strategies and resources to maintain progress achieved in therapy. This may involve developing a relapse prevention plan, creating a support network, identifying warning signs, and practicing healthy coping skills.

Sessions & Session Agenda

Review the Format

The process and content of therapy sessions and the agenda guiding sessions. Each session will consist of processing experiences (describing body sensations, emotions, thinking patterns, automatic thoughts, perceptions, and interpretations) processing homework, psychoeducation, practice skills, assign homework, and evaluation of the session.

Treatment Plans

Wiley Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Plan (Goals, Objectives, Interventions)

Many of the objectives and interventions listed in this section are from the Wiley Publishing Treatment Planner series of books. The goals, objectives and interventions are meant for educational purposes only. Consider them a resource for planning your treatment, to give you ideas and concepts. Your official treatment plan (created together with your therapist) is separate from this online document.

ANXIETY | DEPRESSION | ADULT ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER | POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER | CHILDHOOD TRAUMA | AUTISM SPECTRUM

ANGER MANAGEMENT | ANTI-SOCIAL PERSONALITY | BORDERLINE PERSONALITY | DEPENDENT PERSONALITY | NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY

ADJUSTMENT TO CHANGE | PHASE OF LIFE | VOCATIONAL STRESS | FINANCIAL STRESS | CHRONIC PAIN | LEGAL PROBLEMS | MEDICAL ISSUES

INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS | FAMILY CONFLICT | PARENTING | MALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION | FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

BIPOLAR DEPRESSION | BIPOLAR MANIA | DISSOCIATION | IMPULSE CONTROL DISORDER | PARANOID IDEATION | PSYCHOSIS | SOCIAL ANXIETY

SOMATIC COMPLAINTS | SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER | SUICIDAL IDEATION | GRIEF AND LOSS | TYPE A BEHAVIOR | SLEEP DISTURBANCE

SPIRITUAL CONFUSION | SELF ESTEEM | GENDER DYSPHORIA | SEXUAL IDENTITY CONFLICT | SEXUAL ABUSE | PHOBIAS | AGORAPHOBIA

PANIC DISORDER | NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDER | INTELLECTUAL DISORDER | EATING DISORDER | SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER

Treatment Plans for Specific Issues (PDF versions) 

The following treatment plans are also available in the client Therapy Portal on James Fitzgerald’s Therapy Notes electronic health records software  website. Please ask your therapist for instructions on how to access them through that other portal.

ANXIETY | DEPRESSION | ADULT ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER | POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER | CHILDHOOD TRAUMA | AUTISM SPECTRUM

ANGER MANAGEMENT | ANTI-SOCIAL PERSONALITY | BORDERLINE PERSONALITY | DEPENDENT PERSONALITY | NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY

ADJUSTMENT TO CHANGE | PHASE OF LIFE | VOCATIONAL STRESS | FINANCIAL STRESS | CHRONIC PAIN | LEGAL PROBLEMS | MEDICAL ISSUES

INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS | FAMILY CONFLICT | PARENTING | MALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION | FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

BIPOLAR DEPRESSION | BIPOLAR MANIA | DISSOCIATION | IMPULSE CONTROL DISORDER | PARANOID IDEATION | PSYCHOSIS | SOCIAL ANXIETY

SOMATIC COMPLAINTS | SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER | SUICIDAL IDEATION | UNRESOLVED GRIEF AND LOSS | TYPE A BEHAVIOR | SLEEP DISTURBANCE

SPIRITUAL CONFUSION | SELF ESTEEM | GENDER DYSPHORIA | SEXUAL IDENTITY CONFLICT | SEXUAL ABUSE | PHOBIAS | AGORAPHOBIA & PANIC

 OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER | NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDER | EDUCATIONAL DEFICITS | EATING DISORDER | SENSORY PROCESSING

References

Barkley, R. (2015) History. In R. A. Barkley (Ed.), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment (4th ed.). New York: Guilford Publications.

SAMHSA. (2020). Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With Co-Occurring Disorders. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 42. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Shaw, P. et al. (2007). ADHD is characterized by a delay in cortical maturation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104, 19649-19654.