Consider the simple screw: Cognitive science, quality improvement, and psychotherapy.

Abstract

Psychological therapy based on cognitive science advances as psychological states can be precisely measured. This article describes a treatment approach, personal quality improvement (PQI), that draws on (a) the states of mind (SOM) model, a mathematical model built on cognitive assessment research on the balance of positive and negative thoughts and feelings; (b) total quality control, a method for improving quality as defined by increased system stability by empowering average workers to reduce variability through process monitoring; and (c) the phase model of psychotherapy, a framework that proposes 3 distinct stages of treatment. In a single-case study, a depressed client used PQI to track emotional, self-image, and optimism balance, achieving an improvement trajectory consistent with the SOM and phase models. PQI emphasizes process, uses a patient focused treatment paradigm that provides tools for autonomous functioning, and allows for calibration of psychological measures.

Investigation of the Phase Model of Psychotherapy Across Therapeutic Orientations: Are Different Approaches Actually All That Different?

“…The majority of previous research regarding the phase model indicates that the progression through the stages follows a largely invariant sequence (Fowler et al, 2004;Schwartz, 1997). These findings are in contrast to the current ones which indicate that rehabilitation appears to occur simultaneously with remediation, thus casting doubt on the invariance of the phases, as well as the notion that each successive phase cannot start without the previous one concluding.…”

“…This phase has been varyingly conceptualized as the period during which cognitive and interpersonal strategies are utilized to enhance functioning and ameliorate distress (Schwartz, 1997), in addition to mobilizing and utilizing new coping skills learned in psychotherapy (Stulz & Lutz, 2007). Additionally, it should be noted that the majority of psychotherapy research has thus far been concerned with the role and impact of various specific factors on the alleviation of distress and particular symptoms.…”

“…The phases of the model have been found to be invariant in sequence across a number of settings (e.g. Fowler, Ackermann, Speanburg, Bailey, Blagys & Conklin, 2004;Schwartz, 1997). However, it is unclear if this invariance is observed across psychotherapeutic orientations.…”

“…One such study found that a single individual (who participated in cognitive-dynamic psychotherapy) who was experiencing significant depression (whose case study was the subject of the paper) exhibited gains across the domains which are most salient to each successive phase in the sequential order outlined by the phase model (Schwartz, 1997). Specifically, the subject exhibited significant early gains in optimism very early in session (remoralization).…”

“…The phase following remoralization is known as remediation and is primarily concerned with the abatement and lessening of symptoms or direct manifestations of the client's current distress and life problems (Howard et al, 1993). This phase has been varyingly conceptualized as the period during which cognitive and interpersonal strategies are utilized to enhance functioning and ameliorate distress (Schwartz, 1997;Stulz & Lutz, 2007). Additionally, it should be noted that the majority of psychotherapy research has thus far been concerned with the role and impact of various specific factors on the alleviation of distress and particular symptoms (for example, see Fonagy & Roth's (2005) …”