The role of node-link maps in enhancing counseling efficiency

Node-link mapping is a counseling tool that helps clients and counselors visualize relationships between ideas, actions, and feelings. Previous research has shown that methadone-maintained clients receiving mapping-enhanced counseling have more positive during-treatment outcomes (e.g., better session attendance and higher probability of clean urines) than those receiving standard counseling. Findings also suggest that mapping enhances the efficiency of counseling sessions by increasing "on task" attention and by reducing communication problems. In this study, mapping counseling was associated with greater coverage of collateral issues (i.e., issues indirectly related to drug use) than standard counseling and lower during-treatment use as indicated by urinalysis results.