Therapist Profile

My Approach to Helping

I use an an integrated, Relational, client-focussed approach using concepts also described in: Cognitive-Behavioural / Motivational work (Ellis 1997, Jacobsen 1995, Miller & Rollnick 1991), Narrative work (White 1990, Jenkins 1990, Avis-Myers 2004), Solution Focused work (De Shazer 1991, I.K. Berg 1993), Emotion Focused work (Greenberg & Johnson 1988, Greenberg & Pavio 1997) and Process-Oriented work (Shulman 1992, Teyber, 2000, Caplan, 2005). The Needs-ABC Model is distinguished by its emphasis on the emotion-focused relational needs behind maladaptive behaviours, rather than the behaviours themselves, and by its flexibility in terms of applications to clients in a range of personal and therapeutic settings.

More Info About My Practice

Tom Caplan is a social worker in private practice who works with individuals, couples, families and groups. He is an adjunct professor at McGill University in the School of Social Work and director and supervisor of the McGill Domestic Violence Clinic. He is also a designated expert in Domestic Violence for the Quebec Court System. Tom does clinical work with forensic populations, is the Clinical Director of the Montreal Psychotherapy Centre and is the founder and supervisor of the Montreal Anger Management Centre. Tom also presents workshops, gives trainings and lectures in universities, junior colleges and local community centers. He is engaged in ongoing research projects in collaboration with McGill University, Concordia University, the Jewish General Hospital and the Douglas Hospital. Tom is on the editorial board of Social Work with Groups, is a certified marriage and family therapist and a certified marriage and family therapy supervisor (A.A.M.F.T.), an internationally certified alcohol and drug counsellor (I.C.A.D.C.) and a member of the Professional Order of Social Workers of Quebec (OPTSQ).