Topic-focused analysis of verbal interaction in a case of integrative therapy with a young woman presenting with symptoms of depression

It is increasingly recognised that single-case analysis makes a valuable contribution to the evidence base for psychotherapy, alongside other methodologies. Such analyses make it possible to investigate the unfolding process of change in therapy, and develop an understanding of change factors that contribute to outcome. One of the key challenges for the psychotherapy research community is to develop methods for descriptive single-case analysis that are simple to apply, and allow comparison across cases collected in different contexts. Topic Change Process Analysis represents a practice-relevant framework that is descriptive, flexible and widely applicable. The present paper presents an analysis of brief integrative/eclectic therapy received by a young woman struggling to come to terms with emotional instability and depressive episodes. Analysis of topic areas, topic shifts, response patterns within topics and changes in perspective makes it possible to identify key processes which resulted in a positive outcome for this client. The implications of these findings for practice, and future research, are discussed