Software to Facilitate Case Analysis

Larry, welcome to the BOL team!

I have been experimenting with various software programs, searching for the best one that would facilitate a comprehensive analysis of case dynamics in Classical Adlerian psychotherapy. After many years of practice, I can do this very intuitively, but teaching the process to students and clinicians is enhanced by a methodical approach that structures and records inductive and deductive strategies as well as guessing, questions to pursue, and note-taking. The discipline of qualitative analysis has many parallels to how I approach case analysis, and has led me to two programs, Atlas-ti, and Code-A-Text (Windows 95).

Initially, I organize my case material on Ecco Pro 4.0 because it features an expandable outline structure combined with columns for developing a matrix. Lately, I have been transferring material to Atlas-ti, because it permits the coding of text passages, establishing code families, adding comments, and a network-like display of these elements.

To help students visualize the totality of Classical Adlerian theory and practice, as a preparation for the rigors of case analysis, I have experimented with "mind-mapping" programs like Visimap and the Axon Idea Processor.

Are you aware of any other Windows 95 compatable programs that would enhance the case analysis process.

• Case Analysis Software by Larry Rosen, 5/4/97