A Model of Psychological Interventions for Consultation and Liaison with Medical Clinics,

Brief strategic therapy has become a popular treatment modality for a variety of anxiety disorders. Since anxiety often complicates and exacerbates medical problems, it would appear as if this treatment approach may be a valuable addition to psychologys armamentarium of more traditional interventions e.g., systematic densitization, hypnosis, relaxation training. A model will be presented to help the clinician determine which treatment approach is most appropriate e.g., traditional interventions vs brief strategic interventions. This model is based on Brehms theory of reactance and on the patients perception of the amount of control heshe has over their symptomatic behavior. Case examples will be presented to illustrate the application of this model in consultation and liaison with dental, neurology, family practice, and orthopedic clinics.