DSM Deep cuts
A client repeatedly pulls out her eyelashes and eyebrows during periods of stress. She reports temporary relief afterward and has noticeable hair loss.
Trichotillomania
This section of a progress note should include what the therapist actually observed, rather than assumptions or interpretations.
Mental Status Exam (MSE)
Rodney was this Grove pastor's high school guidance counselor
Pastor Daniel
For 49 minutes the client discusses work stress. As they open the door they add:
"Also, I have three husbands, but only two of them know about each other."
Miracle Question (from Solution-focused therapy)
At the end of your session, your client mentions:
"Also, I have three husbands, but only two of them know about each other."
Doorknob confession
A parent reports that their 9-year-old continues to have recurrent fecal accidents despite being toilet trained and having no identified medical explanation.
Encopresis
A client asks you to speak with their psychiatrist. Before making contact, you should first obtain this.
Signed Release of Information (ROI)
This is Rodney's favorite place to get a bite to eat Thursday mornings
The hub breakfast
A therapist encourages a client struggling with depression to schedule pleasurable and meaningful activities before motivation returns.
Behavioral Activation
"I made a mistake in session. I'm a terrible therapist"
All-or-nothing thinking
A client appears emotionally detached, expresses little desire for close relationships, and reports being perfectly content spending nearly all of their time alone.
Schizoid Personality Disorder
A client says, "My husband is cheating on me."
The documentation phrase that protects you from claiming this as fact is:
"Client reported..."
Rodney often responds with this quip when asked "how are you?"
"I'm vertical!"
A therapist asks a client to imagine placing intrusive thoughts on leaves floating down a stream.
Cognitive Defusion
A client becomes convinced their female therapist is disappointed in them after the therapist reschedules an appointment. The client later shares that they often felt they could never meet their mother's expectations growing up.
Transference
A client experiences recurrent involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles during attempted vaginal penetration, resulting in significant distress and avoidance of sexual activity.
Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder
A client says, "Sometimes I wish I wouldn't wake up." This section of the note should always be addressed before ending documentation.
Risk Assessment
(&Safety plan)
In what year did Rodney begin his journey at the Grove counseling center?
2013
A therapist asks a client to speak directly to their anxiety as though it were sitting in an empty chair across from them.
Empty chair technique
"My boss wants to meet with me tomorrow. I'm probably getting fired."
Catastrophizing
A client suddenly travels hundreds of miles from home and later cannot recall important autobiographical information about their identity or how they arrived there.
Dissociative Fugue
In the MSE, this is the difference between what a client reports feeling and what the therapist observes.
Mood vs affect
What year did Rodney get his marriage and family therapist license?
1995
A therapist asks:
"What gives your life meaning?"
meaning-making
My supervisor didn't use an exclamation point in her email. They're probably disappointed in me."
Mind reading
Assumption making
Anxiety