From Theory to Practice: A Transtheoretical Treatment and Training Model (4TM)

Abstract

[Background] In this paper, we present the conceptual background and clinical implications of a research-based transtheoretical treatment and training model (4TM). [Method] The model implements findings from psychotherapy outcome, process, and feedback research into a clinical and training framework that is open to future research. [Results] The framework is based on interventions targeting patient processes on a behavioral, cognitive, emotional, motivational, interpersonal, and systemic/socio-cultural level. The 4TM also includes a data-based decision support and feedback system called the Trier Treatment Navigator (TTN). [Conclusion] We discuss important problems associated with clinical orientations solely based on one school of thought. We then contrast these concerns with a clinical and training framework that embraces ongoing research, serving as a guiding structure for process-based transtheoretical interventions. Such research-based psychological therapy can take both traditional and novel clinical developments as well as findings from psychotherapy research into account and be adaptively disseminated to a variety of patient populations.

Keywords

• transtheoretical clinical practice and training
• psychotherapy outcome research
• outcome monitoring
• therapist effects
• process research
• clinical training
• precision mental health