Basic ID

What is the Basic I.D. model?

The Basic I.D. Model is a cornerstone of multimodal therapy developed by Arnold Lazarus as a comprehensive approach to psychotherapy and behavior therapy. This model posits that human functioning can be understood and addressed through seven interconnected modalities: Behavior, Affect, Sensation, Imagery, Cognition, Interpersonal relationships, and Drugs/Biology (Lazarus, 1989).

Multimodal therapists utilize this framework to conduct a thorough multimodal assessment, ensuring that all aspects of a client's experience are considered in treatment planning. The model emphasizes that individuals are complex beings whose problems often span multiple modalities and interpersonal behaviors, necessitating a comprehensive problem identification sequence.

Comprehensive therapy calls for addressing significant issues across all seven modalities of the Basic I.D. For instance, when treating chronic pain, a multimodal therapist might examine behavioral responses, emotional impact, sensory experiences, negative or intrusive images, cognitive patterns, effects on interpersonal relationships, and biological factors, including medication.

The model suggests that while all modalities are important, the biological modality forms the base of a conceptual pyramid, with the interpersonal modality at the apex (Rose et al., 2010). This highlights the significance of physiological and social factors in human functioning. By systematically assessing how a person responds across these dimensions, multimodal therapy aims to provide a more comprehensive and effective approach to psychotherapy.

How to use our Basic ID template?

Our Basic I.D. template facilitates a comprehensive multimodal assessment and guides treatment planning in multimodal therapy. By following these steps, multimodal therapists can effectively utilize this tool to address the seven modalities of human functioning.

Step 1: Gather client information

Fill in the client's basic details, including name, date of birth, and the current session number. This establishes the context for the assessment.

Step 2: Assess behavior

Document the client's observable actions, habits, and responses. This step is crucial in behavior therapy and helps identify patterns that need modification.

Step 3: Evaluate affect

Note the client's emotional states, moods, and feelings. This assessment aids in understanding the client's emotional landscape and potential areas for intervention.

Step 4: Explore sensations

Record the client's physical sensations, bodily experiences, and sensory responses. This is particularly important when dealing with issues like chronic pain.

Step 5: Investigate imagery

Document mental images, visualizations, dreams, and self-perceptions described by the client. Pay special attention to negative or intrusive images that may impact the client's well-being.

Step 6: Analyze cognition

List thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and mental processes exhibited or reported by the client. This step is essential for identifying cognitive distortions or irrational beliefs.

Step 7: Examine interpersonal relationships

Describe the client's relationships, social interactions, and communication patterns. The interpersonal modality is crucial for understanding how the client interacts with others.

Step 8: Consider drugs/biology

Note any medications, substances, health issues, or biological factors affecting the client. This step acknowledges the importance of the biological modality in the client's overall functioning.

Step 9: Synthesize information

Use the Additional Notes section to integrate observations from all seven modalities, creating a comprehensive problem identification sequence. This holistic view helps in developing a tailored treatment plan. Based on the comprehensive assessment, create a treatment plan that addresses significant issues across all relevant modalities. This approach ensures that comprehensive therapy calls are met.

By following these steps, multimodal therapists can conduct a thorough multimodal assessment, recognizing that each person responds uniquely across the seven modalities. This comprehensive psychotherapy approach acknowledges the client as a complex, sensual, and sexual being, leading to more effective and personalized treatment strategies.

How to apply Basic ID in therapy?

The Basic ID model offers a comprehensive multimodal approach to psychotherapy integration that addresses seven dimensions of human functioning. This approach provides therapists with a valuable perspective on assessing and treating clients effectively across multiple modalities.

Identify modality-specific issues

You can do a thorough evaluation of the client's Basic I.D. during the initial session. This goes beyond routine history taking, exploring all seven dimensions to gather relevant details of the client's presenting issues. Then, for each modality, identify specific problems:

• Behavior: Note maladaptive behaviors and self-defeating actions
• Affect: Assess affective responses, distinguishing between normal sadness and profound melancholy
• Sensation: Explore specific sensory complaints and unpleasant sensory reactions
• Imagery: Examine unhappy or traumatic experiences and negative self-images
• Cognition: Identify definite dysfunctional beliefs and problematic cognitive processes
• Interpersonal: Evaluate various interpersonal relationships
• Drugs/Biology: Consider biological functions, medical complaints, and substance use

Select appropriate techniques

Choose interventions based on empirical evidence and the client's needs. This technical eclecticism allows for a tailored approach that may include behavioral interventions, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques.

Establish therapeutic relationship

Recognize that the therapeutic relationship is crucial for treatment gains. Adapt your approach to meet the client's treatment expectations and preferred interaction style.

Track progress and adapt treatment

Continuously monitor progress across all seven dimensions, as changes in one modality often affect all the other modalities. Be prepared to shift focus between modalities as therapy progresses.

Address biological factors

Recognize that for most psychiatric outpatients, the most common biological intervention involves addressing sleep disturbances, diet, exercise, and general health concerns.

Integrate modalities

Remember that while the Basic I.D. provides a convenient acronym for assessment, these processes often occur simultaneously in real life. Treatment should reflect this integration of human functioning.

By applying the Basic I.D. model in therapy, clinicians can offer a comprehensive approach that addresses the complex, interactive processes of human functioning, leading to more effective psychotherapy integration.

References

Lazarus, A. A. (1989). The practice of multimodal therapy: Systematic, comprehensive, and effective psychotherapy. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Rose, S., Palmer, S., & O’Riordan, S. (2010). A healthy development from the multimodal approach to coaching. The Coaching Psychologist, 6(2), 88–96. https://doi.org/10.53841/bpstcp.2010.6.2.88