Client-Reported-Presenting Problems at an MFT Clinic

Keywords

client self-report, presenting problems, mixed methods

Abstract

It is useful for clinicians and researchers to know why clients present for therapy in order to devise effective treatments. Using a feminist-informed, client-centered framework, this study provides information about clients’ perspectives on key presenting problems using self-report data from individuals, families, couples, and high-conflict coparenting dyads from a university-based counseling center. Clients most frequently reported anxiety/stress as the chief presenting problem. A number of people listed having been coerced into treatment or someone else’s problem as their chief concern. Common presenting problems varied by modality and were associated with the clients’ perceived pressure to attend therapy, readiness to change, dyadic adjustment, anxiety, and depression.

Original Publication Citation

Heafner, J., Silva, K., Tambling, R. B., & Anderson, S. R. (2016). Client-reported presenting problems at a MFT clinic. The Family Journal, 24,140-146. DOI: 10.1177/1066480716628581

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2016-01-31

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5311

Publisher

The Family Journal

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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