The Extended Investigation

Author: Yean Pak Cheong ¹
Author Information

1. Adjunct Associate Professor, Division of Family Medicine, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System
Collective Name:ONG CHOOI PENG, GOH LEE GAN
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Clarifications; Assumptions; Reasons; Alternatives; Consequences; Relational Experiencing.
From:The Singapore Family Physician 2018;44(1):12-12
CountrySingapore
Language:English
Abstract: The aim of the extended investigation is to probe the mind for specific situations or issues that may help unravel the patient’s problem. The tool used is the mnemonic of CAR-ACE (clarifications, assumptions, reasons, alternatives, consequences, and relational experiencing). This disciplined inquiry brings information about feelings and thinking into the open, relating to the situation at hand. This is often used in problem work when troublesome situations are identified. It is used to uncover the Negative Automatic Thoughts arising from cognitive distortions that triggered the emotions. It is also used in pattern work to investigate the salient situations linked by themes into stories. The themes and stories can then be investigated for consistency and context.