Using Research to Select a Therapeutic Modality

Using Research to Select a Therapeutic Modality

Discussion: Using Research to Select a Therapeutic Modality

Imagine that some of your colleagues mention using cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and reality therapy. Your colleagues continue to say that based on their experiences, they really like these therapies and that they appear to work. Your instincts also tell you that perhaps they might be helpful for your client in your case study. However, from Week 1, you recall that experiences and instincts as sources of knowledge are quite limited because they are biased. Instead, it is important to utilize existing research and data to support your choices of interventions. Theory helps inform the evidence-based practice process that should guide social workers’ practice.

In this Discussion, you examine the research related to a therapy based on cognitive or cognitive behavior theory to determine its effectiveness.

To prepare:

Recall the client from the case study you have been using in this course  Helen Petrakis

•          . You will apply your research for this Discussion to that client.
•        Select one therapy from the following: cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, or reality therapy.
•        Conduct a research for one peer-reviewed research study about the effectiveness of the therapy you selected.

o   Note: You must select a study that has not already been used by a colleague in the Discussion. Each student is required to identify a unique research study.

•        Remember when looking for studies to take into account your client’s age and developmental stage and presenting problem.

By Day 3

Post:

•        Provide the reference for the study you found using APA guidelines.
•        Briefly paraphrase, in 2 to 3 sentences, the methodological context (i.e., research method, how data was collected, and the instruments used) of the study and the findings.
•        Evaluate the findings in terms of its applicability or appropriateness for the client in your case study.
•        Determine whether you would use or not use the therapy you selected for the client in your selected case study (consider how culturally relevant it is, how aligned it is with social work ethics, etc.) and explain why.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Using Research to Select a Therapeutic Modality

Introduction

There are many different types of therapeutic modalities available to those seeking help for mental health issues. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. The best way to select a therapeutic modality is to research the different options and find one that aligns with your goals and needs. This blog post will explore the different types of therapeutic modalities available and how to use research to select the right one for you. We will cover topics such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and more. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of the different types of therapies available and how to select the right one for your needs.

What is a therapeutic modality?

There are many different types of therapeutic modalities available to those seeking treatment for physical or mental health conditions. A therapeutic modality is any form of treatment that uses a specific approach to healing, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, or cognitive behavioral therapy.

The selection of a therapeutic modality should be based on the individual’s needs and preferences, as well as the evidence available for each type of treatment. Some therapies have been shown to be more effective than others for certain conditions, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which modality is likely to be the most beneficial.

A therapist’s experience and training can also play a role in determining which modality is best suited for a particular individual. For example, a therapist who is experienced in treating anxiety may be better equipped to provide cognitive behavioral therapy than one who has less experience with this condition. Ultimately, the decision of which therapeutic modality to use should be made by the individual in consultation with their healthcare team.

The different types of therapeutic modalities

There are many different types of therapeutic modalities available to treat mental health conditions. The type of treatment that is most effective for a person depends on the individual’s specific condition and needs. Some common types of therapeutic modalities include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This type of therapy helps people to identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that are contributing to their mental health condition.

Interpersonal therapy: This type of therapy focuses on improving communication and relationships with others. It can be helpful for people who are struggling with social anxiety or depression.

Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy explores the unconscious mind and how past experiences may be affecting current behavior. It can be helpful for people who are struggling with trauma or anxiety.

Family therapy: This type of therapy can help families to communicate more effectively and support each other through difficult times. It can be helpful for families who are dealing with a loved one’s mental health condition.

Group therapy: This type of therapy involves meeting with other people who are struggling with similar issues. It can be a supportive environment where people can share their experiences and learn from each other.

How to select a therapeutic modality

The first step in using research to select a therapeutic modality is to identify the problem or condition that you are hoping to address. Once you have done this, you can begin to look for studies that have been conducted on similar problems or conditions.

It is important to look at the design of the study, as well as the results, when considering whether or not to use a particular modality. For example, if a study has found that a certain therapy is effective for treating depression, but the design of the study was not very rigorous, you may want to consider another therapy that has been shown to be effective in more rigorously designed studies.

When looking at the results of studies, it is also important to consider how much improvement was seen in those who received the treatment versus those who did not. This will help you to determine whether or not the therapy is likely to be helpful for you or your loved one.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can begin to narrow down your choices and select a therapeutic modality that is likely to be effective for treating your problem or condition.

The importance of research in selecting a therapeutic modality

The use of research to select a therapeutic modality is of utmost importance. This is because research provides an objective, systematic way to examine the effectiveness of different treatments. Furthermore, research can help to identify which specific aspects of a treatment are most effective for certain types of disorders or problems. Finally, research can provide information about potential side effects and risks associated with different treatments.

Case study example involving a patient

“I was recently seeing a patient who had been in an abusive relationship. She had been to therapy before, but it hadn’t helped much. She was very hesitant to try again, but she decided to give it a chance. I did some research and found that art therapy might be a good fit for her. I explained the benefits of art therapy and how it could help her process her emotions. She was hesitant at first, but after a few sessions, she started to open up and express herself more. She said that she felt more comfortable talking about her feelings and that she felt like she was finally able to start healing.”