A conceptual framework for the practice of prescriptive eclecticism in psychotherapy

Recent surveys have indicated that many psychotherapists consider themselves to be eclectic in their approach to therapy. To date, however, there is no systematized framework to guide the practice of eclectic psychotherapy. The present article presents a model of personalized therapy by focusing on the broad clinical processes of theory, assessment, goal setting, intervention, and evaluation. Each of these processes is examined in an effort to elucidate variables at each level that are necessary for the practice of eclectic psychotherapy. The result is a framework and guidelines facilitating a logical approach to individualized treatment. The implications of such a system are discussed. (40 ref)