Clinical process in an integrative psychotherapy for self-wounds

Psychotherapy (Chic). 2013 Sep;50(3):326-30. doi: 10.1037/a0032407.

Abstract

In this article, I will briefly describe the clinical process of an integrative psychotherapy for the healing of self-wounds, including its intended interventions and the variability of their application and outcome. Four specific strategies will be considered, including (a) the role of empathy throughout the course of therapy; (b) exposure therapy as a paradigmatic treatment for the treatment of feared thoughts, behavior, and emotions; (c) focusing and other experiential interventions for eliciting self-wounds; and (d) modification and healing of self-wounds with an individualized array of psychodynamic, experiential, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. In addition, we will briefly consider the impact of transference and countertransference on the trajectory of therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Countertransference
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Empathy
  • Humans
  • Implosive Therapy / methods
  • Integrative Medicine*
  • Problem-Based Learning
  • Psychoanalytic Theory
  • Psychotherapeutic Processes
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Self-Assessment*
  • Transference, Psychology