The relevance of the Rorschach and patient-examiner relationship in treatment planning and outcome assessment

In this era of evidence-based mental health care, traditional forms of depth-oriented psychotherapy and psychological assessment have been marginalized in graduate training in clinical psychology. As a counterpoint, this article presents the evaluation and treatment of an adolescent client, along with an outcome assessment, and illustrates ways that aspects of traditional psychological testing, including the Rorschach (Exner, 1986) and the patient-examiner relationship, can enhance psychodiagnosis and treatment planning. Additionally, this case illustrates ways that test data can illuminate the concept of underlying disturbance and its utility in diagnostic formulation, treatment planning, and outcome assessment.