This article identifies some limitations of the current behavioral paradigm of therapy and proposes a heuristic model which enlarges its scope. Seven overlapping phases are specified: (1) role-structuring and creating a therapeutic alliance, (2) developing a commitment for change, (3) conducting a behavioral analysis, (4) negotiating treatment objectives, (5) executing treatment and maintaining motivation, (6) monitoring progress, and (7) programming for generalization and treatment termination. These phases are intended to serve as a conceptual guide to ensure that attention is given to the client's motivation to engage in various aspects of therapy as well as specify subgoals that should facilitate the initiation and maintenance of behavior change.
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