A conceptual model for practice oriented research and practice research networks

Abstract

This paper provides a heuristic framework for describing the variations of practice research networks (PRNs) that have been constructed or can be constructed in accordance with the "zeitgeist" of attitudes of clinical researchers reflecting psychotherapy theories, research strategies, and training models for practice oriented research (POR) (Castonguay, 2011); and an overview of some findings that illustrate these different PRN variations. This heuristic framework has two primary sources: (1) a System Contextual Integrative Model (SCIM) for psychotherapy assessment and intervention, and (2) an agency - communion philosophy of existential modalities. The application of this conceptual model is illustrated by examples of practice oriented clinical research from other researchers as well as from the author's own PRNs.