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.