Introduction

Having described the core modules, we can now begin to consider their use in treating the different domains of impairment and how they can be supplemented with specific modules. Specific intervention modules will be described in the typical sequence that they are used when treatment starts with the patient in a crisis state and proceeds to longer-term therapy.

Previous chapters suggested that treatment progresses through five phases: safety, containment, regulation and modulation, exploration and change, and integration and synthesis. It is convenient to consider the safety and containment phases together because these are essentially components of crisis management. Treatment typically begins by evaluating suicidality followed by steps to ensure the patient's safety. This is quickly followed by interventions to settle and contain emotional distress and resolve the crisis. The primary treatment goals for this phase of treatment are as follows:

1. 1. Ensure the safety of the patient and others.

2. 2. Contain and settle emotional crises and reactivity.

3. 3. Reduce the frequency of crises and the escalation of psychopathology.

4. 4. Engage the patient in treatment and form the foundation for longer-term treatment.

It is useful to keep engagement in mind to ensure that all opportunities are used to promote the treatment relationship and build motivation.