The application of psychotherapeutic conceptual models in nursing practice

Nurses, in order for their practice to be at a scientific level, need to consciously apply laws of change and stability of human behavior that have been identified by the behavioral sciences--especially psychotherapeutic theories. These are separated into several conceptual models which are organized around assumptions of the etiology of human behavior based on scientific observation and experimentation. They differ in emphasis and manipulation of the psychic elements of magic, faith, adaptation, and intellect. The beginning practitioner will probably find applying concepts from one model at a time most effective. She should base her choice on the congruence of the assumptions and emphasis of the models and her nursing assessment of the problem and her own philosophy of nursing. Her resulting choices of nursing intervention using a psychotherapeutic model should yield predictable goal attainment.