Beyond the DSM

Book excerpt: As a mental health clinician, you know that every client is unique, and a client’s symptoms are the result of a complex combination of psychological, environmental, genetic, and neural factors. However, the de facto DSM model poses considerable constraints on how you can treat clients—often resulting in a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. This important volume challenges the assumptions and approach made by the DSM, and provides a vision and plan for an evidence-based, process-based approach to individualized care. With contributions from renowned experts in the field—including Steven C. Hayes, Stefan G. Hofmann, Joseph Ciarrochi, Matthew McKay, Uma Vaidyanathan, Sarah Morris, David Sommers, J. Scott Fraser, and many more—this groundbreaking book will show you a new way to recognize the complexity of human suffering and human prosperity. You’ll find solid tips for treating a wide variety of psychological issues in a more flexible way. And, finally, you’ll come away with a greater understanding of the “processes of change,” and how to build a solid foundation for an alternative to syndromal diagnosis. The future of mental health treatment is process-based. Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, student, instructor, or other professional working in the mental health field, this breakthrough volume offers everything you need to understand process-based treatment and create a more customized and effective approach to treating clients.