TPC Journal-Vol 10- Issue 3-FULL ISSUE

The Professional Counselor | Volume 10, Issue 3 329 As shown above, there are numerous ways to examine and treat client substance use and misuse. For example, some interventions use an individual lens, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which examines connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (Morin et al., 2017). Other approaches observe substance use and misuse from a family or systems perspective, looking at familial patterns such as communication and normalization of substance use (Bacon, 2019). Delivery of mindfulness-based interventions may help to address stressful events that previously triggered substance use (Garland et al., 2014). In addition, there are frameworks that use a formulation model examining various aspects of clients (Johnstone & Dallos, 2013) such as causal, contributing, environmental, and personal features, providing a much more expansive view of clients’ concerns. Client substance use and misuse can be quite challenging for counselors, both novice and experienced. Case formulation, also referred to as conceptualization, is a skill new counselors often lack (Liese & Esterline, 2015). Using a framework to assist in case formulation may prove useful to beginning counselors. Experienced counselors, even with competence in a variety of approaches, can also benefit from using a framework to help address anticipated challenges (Macneil et al., 2012). Case formulations have been used in a number of areas such as those with psychosis, anxiety, and trauma (Chadwick et al., 2003; Ingram, 2012; Persons et al., 2013). One such framework is the Five Ps (Macneil et al., 2012). Macneil and his colleagues (2012) posited that diagnosing was insufficient and it was critical to include other factors such as causal, lifestyle, and personal factors in conceptualizing the case and formulating a plan. Applying this approach with clients who engage in substance use and misuse would allow more individual and flexible ways to intervene with client substance use and misuse. In addition, the collaborative nature of the Five Ps reinforces the concept of an idiographic formulation. This is in keeping with the inherent uniqueness of clients, their concerns, and a variety of factors. The Five Ps is a type of framework utilizing five factors developed by Macneil et al. (2012). They conceptualized a way to look at clients and their problems, systematically and holistically taking into consideration the (1) Presenting problem, (2) Predisposing factors, (3) Precipitating factors, (4) Perpetuating factors, and (5) Protective factors. Presenting problems are concerns that clients find difficult to manage. Predisposing factors include biological, environmental, or personality considerations that may put clients at risk of further substance use and misuse. Precipitating factors are those that proximally bring about substance use and misuse and its resulting difficulties. Perpetuating factors are those that sustain and possibly reinforce clients’ current substance use and misuse challenges. Protective factors are those that help to moderate actual or potential substance use and misuse impact. The Five Ps framework promotes a very clear and systematic approach to case formulation or assessment that potentially provides a wealth of data. It also provides opportunities for a variety of interventions and strategies targeted to clients and their substance use and misuse or contributing factors. Given the variations of substances, the level of use, the functional impairment, co-occurrence with other mental disorders, and inherent client differences, an idiographically based framework seems particularly appropriate with this population. The Five Ps permits counselors to both assess and intervene essentially simultaneously. It allows for client individualization, use of a variety of strategies, ongoing assessment, and modifications as needed. Furthermore, the Five Ps helps clients and counselors explore relationships between each factor and the presenting problem. This framework is idiographic in nature, as it looks at clients individually and holistically (Marquis & Holden, 2008). Idiographic case formulation can be useful for complicated cases, such as those encountered with clients engaged in substance use and misuse (Haynes et al., 1997). It is systematic, while allowing for flexibility and creativity. It can be used in outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings and possibly as part of an aftercare program.