Modalities of Practice: Application and Brief History
Abstract
Nicole Gorra
Modalities of psychotherapeutic practice intersect, and while they can often complement one another, adapting interventions tailored to meet individual needs is fluid. In considering the human condition, diversity, and the plethora of parts that amalgamate to make one a whole being, it becomes clear that a one-size-fits-all model could never suffice. Clinical practice, thus the modalities employed, must identify, and accommodate one’s environmental upbringing, socio-economic status, family dynamics, religion/ spirituality, and ethnicity; how the stated impacted and created an identity as a holistic being. It is hypothesized that a positive therapeutic alliance serves as the defining criterion as to what will be the most critical component of the therapeutic process- one’s ability to be vulnerable hinging on the trust endowed to the clinician. Contributing to that attunement is the clinician’s ability to apply the goodness of fit treatment interventions; an eclectic blend is often employed. Furthermore, in delivering services to an individual or group different from our own, an awareness of our value systems, culture, and implicit biases must be at the forefront of awareness, to circumvent limitations and barriers that can create an impediment in service delivery. This body of work will explore a collection of premier modalities, with a brief highlight of their historical background.