Efficient Counseling Techniques for the Primary Care Physician

Up to 60% of ambulatory primary care patients have psychosocial factors contributing to their symptom presentation. Counseling, although helpful, is seen as requiring specialized training that most primary care physicians lack, as well as being complex and time-consuming. Several counseling methods have been developed that are brief, relatively easy for the physician to learn and implement, and patient-centered. These include the BATHE technique, the FRAMES strategy, the Stages of Change (Transtheoretical Model) approach, and Motivational Interviewing. Although limited, available research suggests that carefully targeted brief counseling in medical settings does produce meaningful change.