Theory and technique of problem-oriented therapy

Problem-oriented therapy (POT) features the following essentials: problem orientation, eclecticism, patient orientation and brevity. These ingredients, above all the eclecticism, are detailed: diverse psychotherapeutic interventions are administered to foster awareness, modification of thought patterns, modification of behavior, emotionality, awareness of the body, ability to relax, and support. The required abilities of the therapist are mainly flexibility and transparency of his therapeutic actions. The definition of the problem which is negotiated together with the patient is decisive for the selection of the intervention strategy. An example illustrates the use of POT especially as in contrast to school-consistent traditional therapies.