Brief Therapy Model

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current literature on Brief Therapy (BT). To this end, a random sample of 64 current (conducted between 1982 and 1990) studies was drawn from the PsychLit database. Examination of these studies revealed that the current literature on Brief Therapy could be divided into three discrete categories:

(1) Studies discussing the differing types of Brief Therapy and the diverse patient populations which they serve;

(2) Studies delineating particular Brief Therapy programs;

(3) Studies examining the effectiveness of Brief Therapy.

The existing research conducted in each of these three areas is reviewed and discussed below.

Types of BT and the Differing Patient Populations

The Brief Therapy Model (sometimes referred to as "ShortTerm Therapy") consists of various psychotherapeutic treatment strategies aimed at resolving problems that have, commonly, reached the point where patients can be said to be experiencing an element of crisis (Burlingame & Behrman, 1987). There are several different kinds of Brief Therapy models and they are used to provide treatment to diverse patient populations.

With respect to the different kinds of brief therapy models, Hand (1988) has noted that some Brief Therapy paradigms focus solely on symptom treatment while others take a more holistic approach by aiming at the rehabilitation of the patient as a whol

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patient. Schwartzberg and Schwartzberg (1990) have also examined a particular program of Brief Therapy, this aimed at female adult children of alcoholics. The focus of brief therapy in this program was to work with clients by restricting their discussion primarily to issues believed to be central to this kind of patient. These issues were: denial, anger, guilt, self-esteem, and lack of trust. Effectiveness of--Brief Therapy A number of studies have investigated the success rate for different brief therapy programs. For example, in their program of Brief Therapy for 14 female adult children of alcoholics, Schwartzberg and Schwartzberg (1990) found that after completing the program: Most subjects experienced significant diminution of symptoms of anxiety and depression along with increased self-esteem and insight. (p.391) Similarly, in a study of brief therapy for soldiers suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Green, Lindly and Grace (1988) found that success rates were dependent upon veterans' coping skills. Specifically, it was found that soldiers whose coping methods included emotional expression and sublimination evidenced significantly more recovery than did soldiers with other coping skills. Also, Kana
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Approximate Word count = 1700
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

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