Search

Copyright of European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

One reason why patients may seek therapy is to address constricting beliefs about themselves, others and the world that diminish the quality of their lives. These pathogenic beliefs interfere with the pursuit of personal goals and are often the source of considerable distress. In this paper, we discuss the perspective from Control-Mastery Theory that such beliefs were once adaptive in the context of earlier traumatic relational experience, and are often held in place by loyalties and attachment ties to important figures. Therapists can facilitate patients' efforts to disconfirm these beliefs by empathically understanding the form and function of the patient's pathogenic beliefs historically and in the present. Such understanding is termed "person empathy" and is found to contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes. With the aim of helping to facilitate therapists' empathy regarding patients' pathogenic beliefs, we describe in this paper some of the original functions and subsequent consequences of such beliefs in patients' lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filipino psychologist Fr. Jaime C. Bulataosuggested that a shared collective consciousness allows for telepathy to occur. In the context of psychotherapy, telepathy may strengthen rapport between therapist and client, as well as enrich insight. This paper aims to describe and discuss a framework of Bulatao-inspired psychotherapy that integrates telepathy as part of the therapeutic practice. Thus, the paper asks the question: What does the Bulatao therapeutic process of telepathy look like? Descriptive phenomenology revealed four phenomenological structures: (a) Mental quietude and psychic openness; (b) Perceiving the client; (c) Receiving and reacting to telepathic stimuli; and (d) Anomalous insight. This paper has the potential to inspire a conversation with regard to the potential therapeutic uses of Bulatao's transpersonal world view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychosexual therapy has undergone numerous developments since the introduction of behavioural therapy for sexual difficulties by Masters and Johnson in the 1960s. We argue that theory and practice from Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) offers a novel and relevant development to existing approaches to psychosexual theory and practice. CFT presents a theory driven, flexible, transdiagnostic and integrative way of understanding, formulating and treating general mental health problems. In this paper we propose that the underlying theory from CFT integrates well with existing approaches to psychosexual therapy, and offers some helpfulways of formulating sexual problems to present a coherent rationale for treatment strategies. We also argue that some additional CFT treatment strategies already used in general mental health settings are appropriate and helpful for those experiencing sexual difficulties. This paper outlines how CFT can be theoretically integrated with existing psychosexual therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses theories pertaining to what could be said of the state of mind of the creator in the art-making phase of art therapy, by reference to the interchange with the looking/talking phase. I pursue this exploration of the interchange within the concept of the triangular relationship: creatorartwork-viewer, as well as the three 'waves' of art therapy theory and practice. I conclude by making use of mathematical abstraction to describe the recursive sequence of art-making and looking/talking about the art, to pose questions about what might be occurring during these processes and which it is hoped could serve as a framework for further investigations from various theoretical standpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At that time, eating disorder patients weren't supposed to get better, so it was further reinforcement that Self Psychology offered something unique to patients. And that's important, because you know, analytic institutes still offer technique courses, which Kohut didn't approve of, because Kohut was much more concerned with the question, "What does the patient need from me in order to heal?" Many years ago, knowing nothing about Self Psychology, I attended my first Self Psychology conference at the behest of a friend. Let the patients teach you what they need: Richard Geist in conversation with Diana Lidofsky on his journey in Self Psychology - and getting from there to here. [Extracted from the article]

This study aimed to identify, synthesize, and evaluate the current state of research on the use of technology-based interventions in clinical psychology through 2017 as a recent innovative area of study. It was intended to provide a critical overview of trends in different tools and populations and identify future areas of interest. This paper focuses on studies published in psychological interventions in childhood, adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations using new technologies, including web-based intervention, virtual reality, augmented reality, mobile applications, and robotics, with particular attention to methodology. To achieve this aim, a systematic search was made in the ISI Web of Science for intervention, psychology, and the technological tools previously mentioned. The results of the study show that the use of information and communication technologies in psychology has been an innovative and growing field of study for the last 10 years. In total, 743 were included in this study. A growing trend has been observed in publications related to psychology and the use of technologies since 2007. Resea0rch topics were focused mainly on interventions on specific problems or disorders such as depression. The largest number of publications were found for the web-based intervention, in randomized clinical trials and applied to adults [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buddhist psychology increasingly informs mental healthcare through therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), as well as explicitly Buddhist therapies. The central tenets of Buddhist psychology are explored in the Abhidharma, a collection of psychological works from the traditional canon. The Abhidharma includes detailed expositions of the structure of consciousness; the natures of active cognitive processes and passive states; the relationships between material and mental phenomena, conditionality, and "dependent arising"; and the practice of meditation. These concepts are increasingly relevant owing to the continued emergence of psychotherapeutic practices (e.g., mindfulness) with significant roots in Buddhism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risky alcohol use is a major public health problem globally and in Sri Lanka. While a reduction in alcohol consumption can result in physical, mental, and social benefits, behaviour change is difficult to achieve. Effective, context-adapted interventions are required to minimise alcohol-related harm at a community level. THEATRE is a complex, community-based intervention evaluating whether a promising Sri Lankan pilot study that utilised arts-based research to moderate alcohol use can be scaled up. While the scaled-up pilot study protocol is presented elsewhere, the aim of this protocol paper is to describe the intervention programme theory and evaluation design, and modifications made to the study resulting from COVID-19 and the financial crisis. Drawing on the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and Theoretical Domains Framework, behaviour change theories are presented with potential pathways to guide implementation and evaluation. Alcohol consumption patterns and context of drinking is detailed. The multifaceted intervention targets individuals and communities using arts-based interventions. Four of nine BCW functions are employed in the design of the intervention: education, persuasion, modelling and enablement, and training. Modifications made to the study due to COVID-19 and the financial crisis are described. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (ERC/2018/21—July 2018 and Feb 2022) and the University of Sydney (2019/006). Findings will be disseminated locally to community members and key stakeholders and via international peer-reviewed publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores spiritual dimensions of the psyche as originally conceptualized by Jung, including its intimate ties to our humanity as well as its relationship with mysticism, numinosity, and the religious attitude. Additional ideas from other psychoanalysts and within depth psychology regarding spirituality, mysticism, and the spiritual psyche, are surveyed and illustrated by personal and professional examples. The paper draws on experiential evidence and emphasizes knowing the spiritual psyche from real lived experiences, especially as expressed through synchronicities. This paper notes limitations of evidence-based therapy and introduces the term synchronicity-informed psychotherapy as a legitimate focus of therapy and analysis particularly as a way to know and engage with the spiritual psyche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recognition of the importance of relationship and working alliance for effective social work supervision, psycho-social factors serve to influence the relational dynamics, impacting on functions such as case discussions and decisions and practitioner welfare and learning. Attachment theory provides an insightful lens for understanding these pivotal aspects of social work supervision and how supervisors may adapt their approach. This paper synthesises the literature linking attachment theory to supervision in social work and the allied discipline of psychotherapy, which is relevant to this lens. Consideration is given to the implications of the different adult attachment patterns of supervisors and supervisees, for their working alliance, the supervision process and social work practice more generally. Further thought is given to the notion of supervision within organisations as a secure base and the impact this may have for supervision practice and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper outlines parental pathological projective identification as a form of childhood adversity that some patients attempt to address in psychotherapy. This phenomenon involves a parent's unconscious relocation of an unbearable state of mind, combined with the interpersonal evocation of such in the child. A child's effort to deal with this experience may involve the development of pathogenic beliefs about the self. These beliefs subsequently cause difficulties in living and considerable distress. Through understanding the dynamics of parental pathological projective identification, clinicians may help patients to develop insight into the origins of their pathogenic beliefs, along with appropriate corrective experiences. The integration of Control-Mastery Theory with the concept of parental pathological projective identification can facilitate such understanding. A clinical example is provided to illustrate these concepts and their relevance to psychotherapy with adult patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From time-to-time concern is expressed within the psychoanalytic community that so few individuals from the black and minority ethnic communities want to train with us and join our organisations. I have come to believe that these discussions many will be familiar with are not only futile but a part of the defensive structures that serve to act against the radical change that is needed. I know individuals change. However, apart from some tinkering, our institutions do not. This paper considers the defensive structures of disavowal within ourselves and our organisations as well as the features of psychoanalytic training that produce a disabling complacency. These work against the radical changes that are required if the profession is to become one to which people of colour can feel they belong and that reflects twenty first century multicultural Britain. I offer some suggestions for ways of working against the racist assumptions behind some of our theories and our structures. The underlying conviction of the presentation is that this is a white problem which white people need to address – not only for the benefit of black colleagues but because it also does us all harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in the field of psychotherapy have included a diversification in Cognitive Behaviour Therapies (CBTs), often referred to as the "third wave", yet relatively little is known about their coverage in Australian postgraduate clinical psychology training. Data were gathered to study the relationships between training program theoretical orientation, therapies covered, and factors determining the coverage of therapies. Responses to a semi-structured interview of 28 Directors of Clinical Training (DCT) or equivalent of Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) approved clinical psychology training programs (representing 72% of all accredited programs) were examined. Behaviour and cognitive theories were identified as dominant in programs. Coverage of Beck's CBT was not correlated with other CBTs, and the number of therapies covered did not distinguish integrative (64.3%) from non-integrative programs. In an examination of the factors guiding the adoption of insight orientated therapies (i.e., Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Humanistic Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, Process Experiential/Emotion-Focused Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Existential Therapy), the focus of clinical research, and student interest emerged as significant predictors (β = −.16, SE =.06, p <.05, 95% Boot CI [−.27, −.03]). Beck's CBT, and its undergirding theories emerged as dominant and was not associated with coverage of more recent CBTs, suggesting that there is opportunity to diversify therapies covered considering their evidence base. What is already known about this topic: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has evolved and now includes therapies focused on acceptance, dialectical thinking, and mindfulness. Australian clinical psychologists predominantly self-identify a CBT theoretical orientation. Previous surveys of clinical training programs indicate a primary focus on traditional CBT. What this topic adds: Data on the extent to which diverse theories are included in Australian clinical psychology programs. Data on the extent to which various therapies, including third wave CBTs are included in Australian clinical psychology programs. Data on the factors guiding the adoption of therapies in Australian clinical psychology programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, professions and disciplines of all kinds fall over themselves to present their claims as being 'evidence-based' in order to garner for themselves the kudos of being a positivist science. In this paperI will critique attempts made by the 'psy' disciplines' (psychiatry, psychology and psychotherapy) to use positivism to enter the citadel of science. Amongst other things, I will argue that their efforts have resulted in the corruption and distortion of the principles of (positivist) science. I will argue that positivist methodologies are unable, even in principle, to capture the intricacies of human exchange; in lieu of positivism, notions of emergence and complex responsive processes are more appropriate. Additionally, the argument will also raise questions about the idea of science itself, and claim that much of what passes for science in this territory is a distortion of reality rather than a description of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we examined whether pressing developmental tasks, that is identity formation and generativity, and personality traits predict nursing home residents' and students' willingness to take part in an intergenerational encounter program. A total of 406 students and 114 nursing home residents reported on personality traits, age-relevant developmental tasks, and their willingness to participate in the program. Analyses verified that higher levels of openness were positively associated with participation willingness in both age groups. In addition, lower self-concept clarity among students and higher concern for generativity among older adults predicted their willingness for program participation. Findings are discussed with respect to their relevance for the planning of similar intervention programs in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the profession of dance movement therapy (DMT) grows and develops, more DMT's are combining movement with counselling and psychology, making valuable contributions across the globe. The sudden threat of Covid-19 made the need for clarification and integration of cultural and professional boundaries clear. With a shrinking world and increasing threats of refugees, displacement, climate change, intergenerational trauma and pandemics, DMT's can join with other healing disciplines to bring creative healing options into communities and the world. How can it adapt to meet these new challenges while protecting professional standards and ethics? What might this integration look like? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historic, systemic, and institutional oppression has created various forms of inequality that are of urgent interest to critical psychologists. One area of continued concern is the use of Western, psychological frameworks to address mental health issues for individuals whose experiences lie at diverse intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. This manuscript highlights an alternative framework grounded in an African-centred theoretical approach using optimal psychology. Optimal psychology, also known as Optimal Conceptual Theory (OCT), provides a cultural responsiveness framework for understanding the behaviours, thoughts, feelings, and worldviews of oppressed populations, such as individuals of African descent in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer (LGBQ) community. This framework facilitates an affirmative psychological process of examining varying worldviews and their impacts on psychological functioning. By presenting a US-based case study, the authors demonstrate the use of an affirmative psychological framework, OCT, and discuss culturally-affirming interventions, in the clinical setting that also challenge 'WEIRD psychology'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Residential treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) typically involves both medical and psychological treatments to best meet the needs of service users. Common treatments include Twelve Step Facilitation (TSF) as well as evidence-based practices (EBPs) such as cognitive behavioral therapies and medications. Researchers have discussed the difficulties with implementation and sustainability of EBPs within treatment centers that predominantly use TSF. Objectives: Understanding the process of implementation is an important area of study to inform future implementation efforts. The present study involved a qualitative investigation of a residential treatment center that integrated EBPs alongside TSF. Treatment stakeholders (N=22) were interviewed about their experience with integration. Results: The results indicated that the organization's evolution to integrate evidence-based practices (e.g., medication, evidenced-based psychotherapy) occurred through a process of themes including staff members' personal allegiance to Twelve Step; tension among staff members; staff collaboration; and integration of theoretical orientations. The results parallel those found in the Normalization Process Theory of implementation. Conclusions: The present study provides an understanding as to how Twelve Step and EBPs can be integrated into a residential treatment center, allowing for service users to have choice in their care. The program's ability to navigate the treatment evolution can be used as an example for integrating evidence-based practice with Twelve Step to meet the many needs of individuals seeking substance use treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore patient perspectives of the integrated intervention (intervention arm) of a recent randomised clinical trial that found clinically relevant and sustained benefits of a physiotherapist delivered integrated stress inoculation training (SIT) and exercise for people with acute whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) and at risk of poor recovery. Twelve patients from the 53 who participated in the SIT and exercise arm of a randomised controlled trial (StressModex RCT) participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Five main themes were identified: "balance between the physical and psychological components," "dealing with stress," "coping with the injury," "pain relief and return to function," and "elements enhancing therapeutic alliance." The majority of patients found the SIT techniques to be helpful in managing stress and pain, coping with their injury, and returning to function. The patients also found the exercises useful and acknowledged the importance of both the physical and the psychological aspects of whiplash injury. Patients with acute WAD at risk of poor recovery welcomed the inclusion of psychological strategies as part of physiotherapy treatment. The patients nominated both the psychological (SIT) component and exercise as assisting them with their stress, pain, and recovery. Physiotherapists could consider including strategies targeting early stress responses in their management of patients with acute WAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portugal is one of the most aged countries in the world and dementia is increasing among the Portuguese population. It is estimated to affect around 200,000 people in Portugal. There is a clear need for non-pharmacological interventions to ameliorate the symptoms of dementia and improve the quality of life. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), a worldwide well-known program developed in the United Kingdom (UK), is recognized as a cost-effective intervention, with benefits both in cognitive function and quality of life of people with mild to moderate dementia. We tested the feasibility and cultural appropriateness and adapted CST to Portuguese people with dementia. The Formative Method for Adapting Psychotherapy (FMAP) model for cultural adaptation was used. A focus group discussion with health professionals and caregivers provided the basis for cultural adaptation, as well as feedback from participants, caregivers, and facilitators after a pilot study. Some modifications were required, especially related to linguistic issues, in 11 of the 14 CST sessions. The adapted program was found to be acceptable and enjoyable in a small sample of people with dementia in a rehabilitation context. CST seems feasible and culturally appropriate in Portugal. A systematically developed and culturally adapted manual is ready to be used in a large-scale implementation and validation of CST in Portugal. CST is a valid program for the Portuguese culture, contributes to the availability of a structured and effective clinical intervention for PwD in Portugal and to the possibility of comparing programs across countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution focuses on expanding understanding of anti-psychoanalytic attitudes in psychology. Psychoanalysis and related approaches have been openly vilified and discounted within academic and organized American psychology. Socio-historical antecedents of this antagonism provide a framework for understanding how the marginalization of psychoanalysis has been maintained despite the significant empirical, historical, and socio-cultural evidence supporting it. I argue that such marginalization has contributed to professional monoculture, failure to provide consumers with access to effective forms of treatment, and disconnection from critical multicultural frameworks grounded in psychoanalytic tenets. Patterns of psychoanalysis' exclusion highlight the field's difficulties in addressing historically situated ideological biases and disputes over resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focussed on the mutual role of emotion covariation and psychological flexibility in understanding the reciprocal effects of chronic pain and psychological distress. A longitudinal design was applied with a sample of 177 adults (mean age = 58.3, 57.1% women) suffering from chronic back/neck pain. Assessments were conducted at three timepoints: pain and psychological distress upon referral to a pain clinic (T1); emotion covariation (the correlation between daily reports of positive and negative emotions) and psychological flexibility (self-reported ability to withstand unpleasant experiences while acting upon personal values) during the weeks before undergoing an intrusive procedure (T2); pain and psychological distress one day prior to the procedure (T3). T2 psychological flexibility and emotion covariation mediated the effect of T1 pain on T3 psychological distress. However, T2 psychological flexibility and emotion covariation did not mediate the effect of T1 psychological distress on T3 pain. The findings highlight two complimentary mechanisms – emotion covariation and psychological flexibility – that mediate the relationship between pain and psychological distress for people with chronic back/neck pain. The findings inform future research on the effects of intervening on these mechanisms, which may lead to clinical interventions aimed at improving coping with pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meta-analysis of positive psychology intervention (PPIs) studies was conducted. PPIs were defined as interventions in which the goal of wellbeing enhancement was achieved through pathways consistent with positive psychology theory. Data were extracted from 347 studies involving over 72,000 participants from clinical and non-clinical child and adult populations in 41 countries. The effect of PPIs with an average of ten sessions over six weeks offered in multiple formats and contexts was evaluated. At post-test, PPIs had a significant small to medium effect on wellbeing (g = 0.39), strengths (g = 0.46), QoL (g = 0.48), depression (g = −0.39), anxiety (g = −0.62), and stress (g = −0.58). Gains were maintained at three months follow-up. Individuals in non-western countries with clinical problems, who engaged in longer individual or group therapy programs containing multiple PPIs benefited most. This meta-analysis shows that PPIs have an extensive evidence base supporting their effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently an unmet need in higher education for a structured, pre-emptive programme of support to help students enhance their resilience to stress. This article presents a mixed-methods evaluation of a transferable biopsychosocial resilience intervention for students – the Resilience Enhancement Programme for Students (REP-S). In Study 1, a randomised control trial showed that participating in the intervention was associated with significantly decreased perceived stress, decreased trait neuroticism and enhanced self-esteem over a period of one month. In Study 2, written and focus-group qualitative data from students provided evidence that the intervention led to perceived positive changes, including sleeping better, dealing more effectively with assessments and managing interpersonal challenges. Future steps in the evaluation of the REP-S are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating behavioral health services into primary care is an important global initiative to improve access to mental health services. Within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Geriatric Patient Aligned Care Teams (GeriPACTs) are one model of integrated care for frail older adults to serve older Veterans with geriatric syndromes and increased probability of cognitive impairment. Understanding of the role of psychology in GeriPACT is limited. This study examines this role, describes the practice of these psychologists, and evaluates the integration of psychology into geriatric primary care. A mixed-methods design was used. Recruitment occurred through two VHA listservs for GeriPACT and Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI) psychologists. Surveys examined referral processes, service access, clinical services provision, and use of psychotherapy modalities. Twenty psychologists participated. Structured follow-up interviews were conducted with five participants. A large minority of psychologists did not have FTE allotted for GeriPACT work they provided (40%). Sixty percent were assigned to one GeriPACT team. Twenty percent served four to seven GeriPACT teams. Eighty percent provided same-day services. Cognitive assessment was provided weekly by over sixty percent of providers who had FTE allotment to this role. Qualitative data provided a rich description of psychologists' perceptions of their role, team functioning, referral processes, visit structure, and other factors. Findings are discussed in the context of the World Health Organization's guidelines for integrating mental health into primary care. Data suggest a need for an integrated model that adapts to the special needs of older adults in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meta-analyses assessing the efficacy of expressive writing (EW) interventions have produced mixed results. The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of an EW intervention in the reduction of anxiety symptoms in first-year college students. In an effort to understand more about moderating variables that influence EW outcomes, the current study also assessed the role of linguistic features in symptom reduction. Ninety participants were assigned to complete either an EW intervention or a non-emotional writing intervention. Participants completed 3 consecutive days of writing and two follow-up visits. Anxiety was measured at each study visit with the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and linguistic features were assessed with the LIWC software program. Results indicated that all participants demonstrated significant decreases in anxiety over time. Participants in the EW group who demonstrated the greatest decreases in anxiety utilized more first-person singular pronouns and fewer affect words. Results are explained in the context of two prominent theories regarding the therapeutic mechanisms of EW: cognitive processing theory and exposure theory. Exposure theory received more support than cognitive processing theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychological difficulties among young people are common. Various initiatives are being proposed in schools, yet no evidence-based data is available on how to address family difficulties (the most prevalent issues in school-based counselling). The current study examined the use of a two-component intervention based on the principles of Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). One is Method of Levels therapy (MOL) and the other is a parent–child activity (Shared Goals). Young people were invited to choose how often to engage in both MOL and the Shared Goals activity as well as the topics discussed during sessions for four months. Seven dyads were recruited and six were retained. At the end of the intervention, five young people were considered recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]