OUTCOME BASED TREATMENT

• What is outcome based treatment?

Outcome based treatment, as the name implies, is treatment that focuses upon the desired outcome.  OBT, therefore, measures progress at each appointment.

• How is OBT different from other approaches?

Most therapies focus upon the therapy technique rather than the outcome.  OBT focuses upon what does and does not work for the individual, couple, or family.  Thus, OBT is personalized rather than a “shotgun” or “one-method-fits-all” approach.

• What is the underlying assumption of OBT?

OBT assumes that therapy is synonymous with change.

• What is the goal of treatment?

Each individual has his or her own desired outcome.  That outcome is the goal of treatment.  Sometimes desired outcomes have to be adjusted to be reasonable, realistic, and attainable outcomes.

• What is the method of treatment?

The method of treatment depends entirely upon the desired goal.  One cannot determine how to reach a particular goal before specifying that goal.  Progress in treatment is more clearly determined when the goals and expectations of treatment are clearly understood.  You will be expected to complete a treatment plan.  You are encouraged to review your treatment goals and progress with your therapist regularly.

• How does change occur?

There is more than a semantic difference between wanting things to be different and wanting to make changes.  Change occurs only with diligence and hard work. 

• What is the therapist’s role in my therapy?

The therapist is your personal coach, professional consultant, and confidant, partnering with you to choose the methods for attaining your chosen goals and outcome.

• Will therapy make me feel good?

You will “feel good” when you have attained your goals, or at least can see progress.  However, the effort you need to make to get to that point may not always feel good.  Most consider the distress of recovery as little compared to the pain of malady. 

• How long will I be in treatment?

Length of treatment depends upon  progress, which, in turn, depends upon four factors:  (1)  the number of goals, (2)  the complexity of the goals,  and (3)  the extent to which you apply yourself to your goals, including  (4) how much you accomplish between appointments.

• How will my therapist and I evaluate my progress?

By completing simple pencil-and-paper measurements at the beginning and end of each appointment, you actually can chart your progress.

• How will my appointments affect my progress?

You may think of each appointment as a report card.  Each appointment evaluates how much progress you have made, where you are stuck, and what you still need to accomplish to obtain your desired outcome.  Like anything else, what you get out of therapy depends upon what you put into it.  Although appointments provide insights, most change occurs with the work you do between appointments.  Having a clear agenda for each appointment furthers accomplishment.

• When will I see progress?

Outcome research indicates most change occurs earlier rather than later in the treatment process because that which brought you into treatment is more intense.  Subsequently, more effort is required to continue change. 

Everyone is different and everyone progresses at his/her own pace.  Generally speaking, you will want to experience some shift at your third appointment and you will experience a need to work harder by your fifth appointment.

• What if I am not making progress?

If you are not making progress, you need to ask yourself serious questions:

- Have you clearly defined the changes you want to make?

- Are the changes you are attempting realistic? 

- Are your goals attainable? 

- Are you actually motivated to make changes? 

- What effort have you expended to make changes? 

• When do I terminate treatment?

OBT starts by planning termination of treatment with attainment of your desired outcome.  You will not be rushed out of treatment before you believe you are ready.  Alternatively, it is time for termination when you are not motivated to make further change.  It is important to have a final appointment with your therapist to conclude treatment.