| Abstract: | Case consultation is an important part of deepening a clinician's therapeutic skills. However, consultation is not theory neutral: Each theory of therapy guides consultants according to their particular theoretical orientation. Control-mastery theory assumes that clients come into therapy desiring to solve their problems and have a tentative unconscious plan for working in therapy. These assumptions have been supported by 40 years of research data. Although control-mastery theory is written in everyday language without jargon, it takes considerable time to learn to apply the theory because each plan formulation is case specific. Consultation relies on the examination of detailed process notes, within and across sessions, as well as the therapist's affective reactions to the client. Initially, it can help the therapist formulate the client's unconscious plan and determine the types of interventions that will be most helpful. Consultation is also useful during ongoing therapy to help the therapist maintain (or regain) the focus on the client's unconscious plan, especially when it is derailed by transference enactments. |
