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Methods of an Integrative Psychotherapy
Abstract
The concept of a contactful, interpersonal therapeutic relationship is the central premise in the practice of integrative psychotherapy. Inquiry, attunement, and involvement constitute the methods of a contact-oriented, relationship-based psychotherapy. Eight relational needs are defined, and reciprocal psychotherapeutic responses are described. The theoretical basis for an integrative psychotherapy includes the concepts of ego states, transference, the script system, contact and interruptions to contact, and the significance of interpersonal relationships.
... For the first author's daughter, the 'change focused' modelling, support with decision making, work to improve social interaction, and strategies for dealing with socially difficult situations (NICE, 2021) have been important and will continue to be so into adulthood. However, we query whether sole use of such approaches invites 'masking'defined by Pearson and Rose (2021) as "conscious or unconscious suppression of natural autistic responses" (p.52) to fit into a neurotypical world, rather than experiencing acceptance, attunement, and meeting in relationship (involvement) (Erskine & Trautmann, 1996). Gibbs (2021) states that long term masking can lead to "a total collapse of our ability to function." ...
This qualitative research study uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) (Smith, Flowers & Larkin, 2009; Smith & Nizza, 2022) to explore how Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy can be used effectively with clients who are neurodivergent. It aimed to explore the lived experiences of participants, all of whom were neurodivergent and received psychotherapy as adults but who were undiagnosed in childhood. Participants all reported a sense of frustration, sadness, and shame regarding how others have responded to their neurodivergence and neurodivergent behaviours historically. This study aimed to look beyond the outward presenting behaviours to the underlying need and consider what neurodivergent clients may need, both from their psychotherapist and from their psychotherapy. This study suggests four main psychotherapeutic needs, identifies three main traps that psychotherapists may fall into when working with neurodivergent clients, and describes eight relational affirmations which are important to consider when working with neurodivergent clients.
... Since 1995 Stern and others have spoken of vitality affects and attunement and given us a review of the powerful impact of relationship on therapeutic outcomes. Erskine (1996) describes relationship as "full awareness of sensations, feelings, needs, sensory motor activity, thoughts, memories, internal and full awareness of external events as registered by each of the sensory organs". A subtle but powerful shift from mind focused to total body to body relationship. ...
What follows may be described as my 'free association' on the subject matter of the NZAP Conference 1999, The Unconscious- the Real McCoy of Psychotherapy? Since I practise from an integrative and holistic perspective, I scoured many sources that have guided and influenced my being a psychotherapist, seeking in them what may be identified as the 'real McCoy'. My sourcing was not exhaustive. I offer an entree and look forward to the feast we may savour together as we begin to reflect on our individual and collective practice and chosen interpretations of many psychotherapeutic narratives.
This article explores how farm-based ecotherapy using a transactional analysis approach addresses the links between structural oppression and the symptoms of poor mental health that arise from alienation and isolation. It uses a case study of the development of Growing Well, a cooperative that supports people with poor mental health, to examine the value of using transactional analysis theories in the development of an outdoor therapeutic space on a farm. It explores how a cultivated outdoor space can offer a secure attachment experience that helps people with mental health problems to regulate themselves. The article explores the connections between ecotherapy and eco-TA and examines the nature of homonomy and physis.
Background
Literature suggests that there are now over 450 models of therapy. As scientist-practitioners, counselling psychologists are often faced with significant philosophical challenges as they attempt to integrate conflicting theories and evidence-based approaches.
Content and focus
In this paper I examine some of the key philosophical bases of counselling psychology and consider the relationship between the values of counselling psychologists and their commitments to psychological enquiry. This serves to provide context and reference points for a brief description and critique of Egan’s Skilled Helper Model, which is just one attempt to integrate the emergence of distinct philosophies, theories and approaches within counselling psychology. I pay specific critical regard to elements of the therapeutic relationship as understood by Egan, and discuss the relevance of his model to counselling psychologists today.
Conclusions
I elucidate some of the current tensions existing for the profession of counselling psychology, and discuss implications for practice. I conclude that the Skilled Helper Model, used intelligently, can transcend incongruent philosophies, theories and approaches.
The author considers the theme of physical touch and contact in transactional analysis practice. The Indian concept of runanubandh is introduced, which is defined as physical memory held in the body. This concept is used to explore physical touch and contact with the outside environment in therapy, thereby broadening the frame of reference beyond existing ideas of protocol and bodywork. The author offers a detailed case study from her psychotherapy practice that demonstrates secret garden work and informed physical touch as described by Novak. Finally, a matrix for practitioners to use in discerning the use of touch and contact in their work with clients is presented.
The present article was a theoretical review regarding the use of Transactional
Analysis as Marital therapy and its eectiveness. Married couples often hope for a
perfect relationship. Unfortunately now days intimate relationships are often
unsatisfying and marked by numerous conicts. On the basis of review of
literature, it was found that in India the rate of divorce and separation has
increased drastically. Common problems include poor understanding, lack of
recognition and acceptance, nancial independence, lack of communication,
ineective communication etc. The popular marital therapies being used by
counselors include CBT, Psychodynamic counseling, Gottman method attachment
therapy, etc. But use of transactional analysis as marital therapy was found to be
limited in Indian context. Literature proves the eectiveness of TA while dealing
with relationship conicts, understanding and eliminating negative ego state
behaviors, developing personal awareness and improving the quality of
relationship between people. Therefore the suggestions for using TA as marital
therapy as well as for conducting future researches were suggested.
The concepts of transference and transactions are examined using Eric Berne's theories of ego states as a framework. Theoretical distinctions between transferential and transactional functions are made and the concepts of intrapsychic conflict and ego state diagnosis are elaborated. Definitions of transference are formulated based on Berne's original intrapsychic concepts. A theoretical basis is established for a comprehensive psychotherapy that results in the integration of ego state fragments.
The author addresses the field of infant mental health. He draws on his experience - in both the lab and the clinic - to present an integrated model of treatment for both infants and their parents.
Transactions are reviewed with reference to Berne's original principles of treatment. Three conclusions are presented: (1) different developmental levels of ego states can be evoked through the therapist's technical choices during each phase of treatment, (2) a conceptual bridge between theory and practice is presented through the introduction of empathic transactions, and (3) a recommendation is made that increased emphasis be put on the empathic deconfusion of the Child ego states in order to reach Berne's goal of a comprehensive treatment approach.