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In this article the author outlines his understanding of self-psychology as an independent psychoanalytic treatment paradigm created by the late Heinz Kohut and initially geared toward the psychoanalytic treatment of narcissistic disorders. Since then, self-psychology theory and practice have been enriched by new theoretical and clinical considerations and have been introduced into other forms of psychotherapy, counseling, and education, for example. One important conceptual contribution to developmental theory was Heinz Kohut's differentiation of separate narcissistic and "object love" related developmental tasks. Today, new paradigms as i.e. relational analysis stress the value of human relationships and of the value of mutual recognition. This warrants a revisiting of the clinical value of the self-psychological understanding of narcissism. According to the author it lies in the nature of unattended narcissistic needs that when unattended they take primacy over relational aspects and demand adequate attention in order to open up the space for mutuality, reciprocity et cetera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two principal resources will be used to discuss Darren Haber's paper Simulated Selfhood, Authentic Dialogue: An Intersubjective Systems Look at Treating Addiction. They are Intersubjective Self Psychology: A Primer and Narcissus in Wonderland: The Self Psychology of Addiction and its Treatment. Both of these resources provide a different and more complete way of understanding this excellent case presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a commentary on the articles in this Technology, AI Bots and Psychology Special Issue. The Special Issue presents a range of conceptual, practice-based and empirical reflections on digitally mediated therapy. This includes looking back to a significant shift in digital engagement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with anticipations regarding the landscape of future therapeutic practices mediated by digital technologies. I will discuss key themes resonating across the Special Issue, along with attending to some of the nuance and diversity of the potential and real implications of a greater integration of digital technologies in current and future therapeutic practice. [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 commentary on Eyal Rozmarin's paper 'To Be Is to Betray' considers the place of history in the psychoanalytic encounter. Examining texts by Adorno and Ferenczi, the author cautions against 'radical cures' that conflate political values with analytic ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author offers insights on papers in the "European Journal of Psychotherapy and Counselling" (EJPC) concerning the use of photographs in the psychological therapies. He emphasizes that the discussions of topics on psychotherapy, photography, and the various forms of therapeutic work with cameras are all fundamentally dwell on the visual and its processing. Also mentioned is the engagement with family photographs as a way of making photography than any psychological analysis.

This paper expands on Seligman's ideas about mentalization and the challenges of working with patients who cannot mentalize. Seligman's clinical presentation demonstrates that much valuable analytic work takes place without explicit reference to the transference. Drawing on Britton's notion of the triangular internal space that allows for reflective thought, we propose that analytic interest in an external object, discovered through the relationship and meaningful to both patient and analyst, helps create the same kind of space. The difference-within-sameness of shared contemplation can increase receptivity to divergent perspectives. Likewise, the “third object” can become a therapeutic metaphor, open to various meanings without being limited to any one interpretation. We trace how Seligman and his patient use a series of third objects in their work together. In this process, the patient moves from a transitional relationship of minimal differentiation to an increasingly secure sense of her own separateness, beginning to accept, and even enjoy, having a motivated mind of her own. Finally, we discuss how Ferro's concept of the analytic field offers a theoretical rationale for the effectiveness of this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author considers Cooper's notion of the pluralistic third from several angles as Cooper's use of the term covers a range of applications from that of an internal supervisor to the use of ideas from psychoanalytic traditions other than one's own in evaluating one's clinical work. The impression created of the American situation is contrasted with the institutionalized pluralism of the British Psychoanalytical Society since the Second World War. The author believes that the theoretical question of the analyst's accountability to a professional authority is overdetermined in the paper because the clinical material is dominated by the patient's problems in facing up to parental authority. A crucial enactment is seen as starting at the analyst's first contact with the patient, which seems to subvert the analyst's capacity to be an authority figure. The analyst finds a working relationship with his own psychoanalytic authority in the second session of the analysis but seems to lose it through an overextension of the ideas of "play," self-questioning, and the seeking of agreement between patient and analyst. The author considers the clinical material from the point of view that his peer supervision group would take. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychoanalytic field theory is integral to relational praxis. In his study of the analytic field and its interpersonal complexities and relational intricacies, Tubert-Oklander emphasizes its clinical promise. Tubert-Oklander's field orientation, however, is a conservative and limited one. This commentary proposes a new, more radical coparticipant theory of analytic praxis. As a unique form of clinical participation, coparticipant inquiry is marked by an emphasis on patients' and analysts' relational mutuality, coequal analytic authority, and dyadic uniqueness. Coparticipant inquiry represents both a one-person and two-person psychology—an integral of classical individualism and the social emphasis of the interpersonal/relational viewpoint. Coparticipant analysis calls for a new, multidimensional concept of the self that reconciles the seeming paradox that we are simultaneously communal and individual beings—from birth embedded in a series of social field, yet always uniquely individual. This psychoanalytic dialectic between personal, nonrelational selfic "I" processes and an interpersonal "me" pattern brings into relational play such concepts as will, self-determination, and agency. Coparticipation promotes a technically freer, more self-expressive, and spontaneous inquiry and emphasizes the curative immediacy of new relational experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the teaching of counselling and psychotherapy in universities. Guidance for personal problems; Government attention received by professions allied to health.

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

Supportive psychotherapy (SP) continues to be an indispensible psychotherapeutic approach for a range of mental health diagnoses, taught to and practiced by psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. However, confusion abounds when attempting to delineate the boundaries of its intervention strategies, its theoretical foundation, processes of change, and distinct efficacy as compared with other approaches—and even its definition. The primary aims of this paper are three-fold: (1) to review the theoretical foundations of SP, (2) to advance a clearer identity for SP and (3) most importantly, to incorporate contemporary theoretical approaches to inform the practice of SP. The paper argues for a re-visioning of SP, in order that it may endure as a viable and distinct psychotherapeutic approach, in both modern-day practice and research contexts. Such re-visioning includes the incorporation of contemporary relational theory and findings from neuroscience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gambling behavior is a prevalent problem requiring the development of effective behavioral interventions targeting reductions in the behavior. Many theories of social cognition can be adopted to identify the specific psychological mechanisms interventions should target and how interventions can be designed to manipulate them. The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate how the Reasoned Action Approach can be used to achieve these aims. The paper outlines the steps involved in identifying relevant psychological determinants for intervention when adopting the theory. Behavior change is then discussed and the importance of translating intentions and maintaining change is emphasized. It is hoped that the paper encourages the development of a greater number of theory-based interventions targeting reductions in gambling behavior. Doing so may lead to a reduction in the number of people participating in the behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite long-standing pessimism, it is now widely recognized that individuals with psychosis can recover if offered meaningful psychotherapeutic treatments. This paper provides an overview of psychotherapeutic approaches and models for treatment for individuals who experience psychosis. We selected psychotherapeutic models from diverse theoretical orientations (e.g. cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic, and integrative) to highlight different treatment philosophies and models for interventions. Although some of these therapies have yet to establish an empirically supported evidence base, they have been selected for review in light of their respective emerging literatures and because they offer distinct methods of understanding and treating severe 'mental illness'. This review article provides clinicians with different approaches to treatment that will allow them to explore various interventions to provide integrative care for individuals experiencing psychosis. This paper indicates that evidence-based psychotherapies for psychosis are just emerging and that newer therapies should be considered to provide a range of treatment options. More research is needed to develop efficacious treatments that not only alleviate distress but also promote meaningful recovery for individuals with psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To be a person with learning disabilities/special educational needs is to be vulnerable to projections of hatred from society, as we seek to disavow the damaged and imperfect in all of us. In circumstances which mirror those of other marginalised groups these projections of hate continue to the point of disabled lives being experienced as less valuable as others. In this paper, I will argue that in our current highly capitalised societies, these projections may now also be carried by those children and young people who are experiencing the effects of childhood trauma, with a recognition that a disproportionate amount of developmentally damaging trauma is undergone by children who live in poverty. This paper will reflect on my work as a child psychotherapist in primary schools in London in the UK over the past 10 years, with children and young people who have been identified as having a range of identified special needs, including social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. All have had their capacity to develop to their full potential impacted by their experiences of trauma. Bessel van der Kolk's Developmental Trauma model and Sroufe's Minnesota research will all be considered. Clinical examples will show how long-term, play based child psychotherapy can provide a valuable opportunity for children to identify and express their feelings, in the context of an empathic attuned relationship, even if traumatic experiences are ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the moral implications of treatment of young people with functional somatic symptoms. Based on an ethnographic field study at a Danish pain clinic for youngsters (age 8 to 18), the paper seeks to unearth the cultural, moral values that clinical practice steers by and upholds, and the implications this has for the assessment and management of ill body-selves. Through an exposition of the general practice of the clinic and an investigation of two specific cases of youngsters, it is found that the assessment of symptoms and selves and the goals of treatment are informed by cultural ideals of 'the good self' and 'the good life' in which agency and work ethic – both pertaining to the notion of individual responsibility – figure as prevalent virtues. The study underpins the findings of other researchers who have found that ideals of individual autonomy and responsibility for own life and health permeate the Western health care system and the discourses of ill individuals. The contribution of this article is to portray in ethnographic detail how such a cultural ethics manifests in practice and what implications this have for the treatment of young people with functional symptoms at a specific location and in specific cases. The two cases illustrate that the underlying norms and values can give rise to very different moral assessments of symptoms and selves within the same diagnostic category. [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]

Paper introduces Conflict Analysis (CA), an online self-guided therapeutic assessment. CA combines a diagnostic self-report scale with narrative exercises and self-analytical tasks. CA automatically generates detailed diagnostic records and frameworks for changes. To evaluate therapeutic and diagnostic benefits associated with CA over time. This online study compared CA over 2 weeks on outcome measures predicting psychotherapy outcome. Novel scale measuring perceived diagnostic benefit and perceived therapeutic benefit was delivered at post and follow-up. Cohort (n = 59, average age = 35, 50% female) was either in therapy or interested to start therapy in near future. Repeated-measure ANOVAs suggest that scores significantly changed on measures predicting negative affect, depression, performance and appearance self-esteem, insight, and growth initiative. Agreement rates on items measuring perceived diagnostic and therapeutic benefits were at least 74.5% for both post and follow-up. Evidence supports further exploration of CA as a self-guided diagnostic and therapeutic resource. Results demonstrate feasibility and utility of online self-guided therapeutic assessment. Described model is associated with increased perceived diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. Described model illustrates therapeutic benefits over time. Results demonstrate that even self-guided assessment can have therapeutic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attending personal therapy sessions is a requirement in many counselling and psychotherapy trainings worldwide. More research is needed to establish why the requirement is essential and what it is intended to achieve. This study focused on the question, what is the rationale for mandated self-development requirements in therapy trainings? From a selective literature search, 19 highly relevant papers were found which formed a sampling frame. The papers included qualitative studies, mixed method reports, review and opinion papers. Research participants across all reports included therapy and psychiatry trainees (N = 1134), and current therapy practitioners (N = 194) totalling 1328 participants. The papers were analysed using Critical Interpretive Synthesis method to devise a synthesising statement. The analysis resulted in a synthesising statement about the rationale for personal psychotherapy during training, and the stated risks of this requirement as reflected in the materials consulted. A strong coherent rationale exists for the recommendation that trainee therapists undertake personal psychotherapy. However, the risks of mandating this requirement present multiple challenges, and the evidence for the intended outcomes of personal psychotherapy undertaken during training is weak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative research paper discusses the importance of experiential learning in the creative writing process, the cognitive processing of difficult emotions that can result from writing creatively in both the first and third person, and the implications of this in therapeutic settings. It looks at the ways experiential learning can come not just first-hand from life experience, but also through interviewing others about their experiences, and the ways Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis can then be used to interpret the material and act as a stepping stone between fact and fiction. The study is based on the writer's 20-year databank of journalistic interviews, which represents hundreds of single case studies, and also on her experience of writing four published novels. It examines the significance of the overlap between creativity, psychology, and journalism, and the therapeutic implications of that overlap for journalists, authors, and psychologists and their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcending the dark side of life and overcoming negative emotions may lead a person to mature happiness, characterized by inner peace and harmony. Such happiness can be found even in times of suffering through the pursuit of meaning and spirituality. This paper argues that nature happiness involves the spiritual aspects of being human, such as deep appreciation of life, finding joy through suffering, and being in tune with oneself and others (Clements, Hocoy, Hoffman, & Kaklauskas, 2016). Transpersonal Psychology in counseling focuses on cultivating spiritual and transcendent experiences. Through examination of the spectrum of being human, including spiritual yearning and aspirations, deeper meaning can be uncovered leading to personal and spiritual growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridging psychoanalysis and literature, the present paper links literary depiction of traumatic terror with our own learning from psychoanalytic experience. It identifies psychodynamic understanding at two levels: (1) at the descriptive level of traumatic experience; and (2) at the specific level of working-through. Beginning with traumatic descriptions in ancient Western accounts, represented in the Biblical book of Lamentations and by Sophocles, the paper focuses on the dynamic work of affective and cognitive emergence, highlighting a sequence of repetitive traumatic reminiscences drawn from Samuel Beckett's literary productions across a 33-year period from “The end” to “Company.” In so doing, it illustrates both the literary and therapeutic efficacy in emotional conveyance of personal narrative in achieving the necessary cohesion after traumatic experience to more effectively go on. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article is a portrait of Giovanni Liotti, eminent psychiatrist and scholar of attachment theory who recently passed away. In this paper, we recall some fundamental steps in his professional and personal life: Liotti's encounter and friendship with Bowlby; Liotti's construction of a bridge between cognitive therapy (of which he was a pioneer) and attachment theory; the interest in attachment disorganization as a precursor of dissociative symptoms and syndromes in adolescence and adulthood; his appreciation for Janet's ideas (which Liotti helped bring back to the attention of clinicians and researchers) and his contribution in highlighting the role of real traumatic experiences in the development of psychopathology; Liotti's attempt to go beyond attachment theory and formulate for the clinical context an evolutionary theory of motivation, which analyzes different interpersonal motivational systems beyond attachment and caregiving, an emphasizes in particular the importance of cooperation in psychotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is stated that people's need to live a good life is the key task of the whole nation in China. This paper proposed a pathway to human's good life in the Chinese culture context. The access to the goal should be in the human's spirituality. According to Existential Positive Psychology originated in the west and Yangming Theory of Mind in the east, individuals may find or create their meaning in life (meaning therapy) by flexibly adopting PURE strategies (a process of Purpose, Understanding, Responsible action, and Enjoyment or Evaluation), ABCDE strategies (a process of Acceptance, Belief, Commitment, Discovery, and Evaluation or Enjoyment) and another integrative strategies. The meaning-centered therapy includes cognitive approaches, narrative approaches, and acceptance & commitment therapy, etc. Also, it mainly bases on meaning management theory and the dual-systems model. Finally, with the ability of self-transcendence or people's spirituality, along with conscience and responsibility, people are responsible for everything in their life consciously and transcend self and circumstance to achieve good life at last. And the implications for Chinese community's mental health service are discussed in the background of current social reality of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognition and shame are both concepts that potentially offer social workers a structure to build practice on; two states experienced by both social workers and service users. ‘Recognition’, within social, political and economic thought, has been established as a field in which inequality and exclusion can be analysed. Social work theorists have also made inroads into exploring its reach. ‘Shame’ in twentieth century and contemporary sociological and psychoanalytical accounts, is understood as a force in limiting human agency, well-being and capacity This paper briefly outlines some of the defining ideas in circulation in relation to recognition and shame, and then briefly considers how psychoanalytical and contemporary social structural analysis builds on this, making links to contemporary social work thinking throughout. The paper also specifically considers some of the uses of recognition and shame for thinking about social worker and service user ‘well-being’, and the connections, through both the relational and the socio-political, which inflect social work practice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Complex guilt is the most insidious force within the unconscious. It both fuels and exacerbates psychopathology. This article explores complex guilt. The lens of examination will be the guilt-ridden character Pip, in Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. The pathway of redemption and healing found in Dickens, parallels the intentional work of Habib Davanloo, the father of Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). In addition to drawing from Dickens and Davanloo, the paper employs a clinical case vignette as a way of elucidating the theory and underscoring the importance of directly accessing the complex guilt in the course of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we reflect upon inner silence as a path to embrace eudemonia in relation to Dialogical Self Theory. We suggest that the awareness of the dynamics of different I-positions can empower the person to feel more freedom over their thoughts, feelings and actions. Thus, inner silence can promote the capacity to activate meta-positions or de-positioning, which are shifts of attentional foci in the stream of consciousness. The practice of inner silence can also promote the experience of genuine dialogues, by encouraging the flow and flexibility of the self, and by strengthening the connection with the experience of values. We also suggest a number of implications for counselling associated with self-exploration and self-transcendence, such as meditation, contemplation and prayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is highlighted that the application of general system theory (GST) – including the developments from the intrapsychic to interpsychic and the lineal to nonlineal perspective – to the family, consolidated the field of family therapy, itself. A limitation, however, was the excessive emphasis on the system as self-regulating; this emphasis also obscuring a sine qua non of this approach, namely, observation of interaction. Accordingly, it is recommended that an earlier name – one accentuating interaction and circumventing emphasis on self-regulation – the "interactional" approach, be retained as a more suitable designation of this approach. This development was followed by narrative therapy. In applying the narrative metaphor, though, narrative therapy incurs an error of logical typing by confusing: (a) the observer's frame of reference (i.e., observing is subjective); with (b) inferences about another's frame of reference (i.e., the intrapsychic perspective). This, with an unsubstantiated claim that the narrative metaphor is preferable to the system one, resulted in the developments of the intrapsychic to interpsychic perspective and the interactional approach being unnecessarily discarded. The interactional approach thus serves an extraordinary development; observing psychopathology as a communicational or interactional difficulty. Returning to narrative therapy, its emphasis – as an application of postmodernism – on the frame of reference constitutes an extremely significant contribution. Furthermore, its attention to meaning and interpretation reemphasizes the significance of the intrapsychic perspective. Also, narrative therapy's sensitivity to the client represents a profound reemphasis of the significance of a humanistic, person-centered approach. Having refigured these developments, the paper concludes with reflections about a truly integrative approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to a recent call for dialogue between the different professional groups representing psychotherapy in Europe. At present, two core psychotherapy groups exist in Europe, namely the EAP, representing psychotherapy, and EFPA, representing psychologists specialising in psychotherapy. This article compares and contrasts two competency frameworks representative of these bodies, which capture the skills, knowledge, reasoning and values of the respective professions. The shared and divergent competencies are identified and discussed, followed by suggestions for potential changes in future European competency frameworks. By doing this, we not only respond to the recent call for dialogue but also promote collaboration and discussion between the professional groups representing psychotherapeutic practice both in Europe and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A psychological model of classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy informed by contemporary scientific data is presented in this paper. It is suggested that classic psychedelic-occasioned mystical experience is characterized by profound awe, a discrete emotion experienced in the presence of a vast stimulus requiring accommodation of mental structures. Awe, in turn, promotes the small self, a construct that, in the extreme, is analogous to those of unitive experience and ego dissolution. The small self is conceptualized as key to understanding the downstream effects of mystical experience occasioned in the context of classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. With this novel theoretical framework in mind, a number of clinical implications and recommendations are provided so as to advance this incipient field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I provide a published paper response to the papers in this special edition on the paranormal and psychotherapy articulated largely from my career as a parapsychologist. In the introduction I note the definitional differences between advocates and counter-advocates in terms of what might be ‘paranormal’, although I argue ultimately that definitional differences aside, the therapist’s relationship with the client’s unusual experiences is critical, taking a phenomenological stance which is echoed by at least two of the papers in the special edition. In broad review, the papers make a variety of welcome contributions; historical individually and small sample phenomenological and also more metaphorically in terms of articulations of the haunting nature of collective and intergenerational trauma in the social and cultural sphere. I review the papers from a parapsychological perspective, considering the evidence drawn from parapsychological studies where it supports or adds to the topics of each paper. In concluding this response, it seems clear that therapists often work from first principles when relating to clients’ anomalous experiences, and that the papers of the special edition each offer practising therapists some important evidential and practical insights into working with client presentations of ostensibly paranormal and anomalous experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of psychotherapy as an independent discipline in many countries in Europe has stimulated debate within the field of psychology as to what constitutes psychotherapy as a specialism of psychology. The authors, both clinical psychologists who pursued further training in psychotherapy, offer a reflection in this paper on the historical battle between psychiatry and psychology for ‘ownership’ of psychotherapy, describe recent developments in Europe to clarify this specialism within psychology and discuss the distinctive contributions that psychologists offer in developing psychotherapy as a specialism within the discipline. The aim of the paper is to begin a dialogue both within the profession of psychology and outside the profession, with our psychotherapy colleagues, that can develop into an interdisciplinary discourse and a more mutually respectful professional environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, written from the position of someone who has lived experience of therapy for ‘psychosis’ and an interest in participation, explores the degree to which qualitative research truly conveys the voice and perspective of research participants. By exploring five papers focused on diverse experiences of psychotherapy, from the perspective of clients and therapists, it draws out some of the tensions inherent in making interpretations and connections within research papers and the impact this may have on the quality of any conclusions drawn. Finally, it makes some suggestions for ways of meaningfully involving research participants in the process and argues for an ongoing dialogue to prevent our own assumptions and theoretical frameworks from obscuring the importance of this involvement to improve the quality of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper about the terms 'critical psychotherapy' and 'postpsychotherapy' argues that the terms 'critical psychology,' 'critical psychiatry,' and 'postpsychiatry' are already in use, and we can see the new terms - 'critical psychotherapy' and 'postpsychotherapy' - as additions to this already existing family of terms. However, this paper also argues that what is of most importance is not the case for using these new terms, but the tendencies and features these terms might be taken to refer to. The paper begins with an experience the author had while working as a counsellor some years ago. The terms listed above are explored, as are the roots of 'critical psychotherapy' in psychoanalysis, before providing an example of how a philosopher's work might be relevant to psychotherapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the Impact of Killing (IOK) treatment—a psychological intervention designed to address moral injury and trauma associated with killing in war. Using qualitative data from interviews with 28 combat veterans, we examine IOK’s impact, how it differs from other trauma-focused treatments, and how it can be improved to better meet veterans’ needs. We found that many veterans processed their killing experiences for the first time in IOK, even though all had previously completed evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. Several described killing in war as the most distressing and transformative trauma of their lives, and all affirmed the value of an intervention focused directly and explicitly on moral injury and killing. IOK helped veterans to acknowledge their grief, shame, and distress; gently but critically examine their thoughts and beliefs about killing in war; and make strides toward acceptance, reconciliation, and forgiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our Western world where sexual identity is typically seen as binary (homosexual or heterosexual), those of us who fall outside of such a narrow parameter are rendered invisible. This can be echoed not only in the relationships bisexual clients have with monosexual partners, but also with their therapists. If their therapist lacks an understanding of biphobia and bisexual identity they run the risk of reinforcing a bisexual client's sense of invisibility. My paper seeks to address bisexual invisibility by describing biphobia and highlighting the common dilemmas bisexual clients might face in their relationships with gay or straight partners. I use the term bi-aware therapy, to emphasise what is required for a relationship therapist of any modality to work effectively and sensitively with bisexual clients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The paper explores the application of ideas derived from psychotherapy to questions of economic and social policy. It is argued that disputes concerning human nature underlie many debates on economic theory. Class is reviewed from internal and emotional perspectives. Psychological obstacles to the achievement of economic inequality are explored and ways of overcoming them critically discussed. Particular attention is paid to the operation of economic sadism in the behaviour of individuals and societies. A range of possible gender differences in relation to money is reviewed. Inherited wealth is explored from the perspective of ‘therapy thinking’. The paper proposes that we reconsider what is deemed to be realistic and what is deemed to be (hopelessly) idealistic in thinking about economics. The paper concludes by proposing a deeper discussion of the problematic of sacrifice in connection with sustainable economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large proportion of initial therapy appointments are not attended. Whether this reflects service-user choice or an unmet need for therapy, non-attendance can impact on patients, therapists, services and research evaluation. To understand the complexities of this phenomenon, this paper reviews the mental health literature to gain further insight into how predictor variables can influence professional help-seeking decisions. This review reveals a modest success at identifying specific demographic and psychological factors, yet methodological issues surrounding data collection techniques have often led to contradictory and inconclusive findings. This paper examines the possibility that approach–avoidance conflict [Kushner, M.G. & Sher, K.J. (1989, 1991). Fear of psychological treatment and its relation to mental health service avoidance. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 20, 251–257; The relation of treatment fearfulness and psychological service utilization: An overview. Professional Psychology: Research and practice, 22, 196–203] could explain the contradictions in the literature because, in this model, different factors involved in driving engagement versus avoidance become more salient depending on a dynamic interplay of timing, the individual and their service context. The core principles behind this approach–avoidance conceptualisation are explained and further avenues for research are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narrative and dialogical perspectives suggest that personal meaning systems' flexibility is an important resource for change in psychotherapy. Drawn from these theoretical backgrounds, a research program focused on the identification of Innovative Moments (IMs)—exceptions to the inflexible meaning systems present in psychopathological suffering—has been carried out. For this purpose, three process-oriented coding systems were developed: The IMs Coding System, the Ambivalence Coding System, and the Ambivalence Resolution Coding System. They allow, respectively, for the study of change, ambivalence, and ambivalence resolution in therapy. This paper presents these coding systems, the main findings that resulted from their application to different samples and therapeutic models, the main current and future lines of research, as well as the clinical applications of this research program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of placebo has had a long history in medicine, and has evolved over time with the introduction of randomised controlled trials for testing health treatment, the increasing research done around the psychotherapies, the development of complementary and alternative medicine approaches to health, as well as the conceptual contributions from academic disciplines like psychology and anthropology. In recent years, discourses about placebo have pursued a number of key directions, and the current review paper explores these developments. For example, psychology has looked at placebo in terms of classical conditioning and the role of anxiety. Anthropology on the other hand has focused on the role of meaning and ritual in the placebo effect and psychotherapy research has encouraged an examination of the effects of the therapeutic relationship. Our review paper concludes by outlining directions ahead for future scholarship and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on "cheating" in modern day athletics from youth through professional sports. We briefly summarize a history of cheating in the sports world. We examine the current role cheating plays in sports as well as its causes including, psychodynamic issues, the development of personality disorders and how personality traits become pathological resulting in deception, dishonesty, and underhandedness. We describe management and treatment including psychotherapeutic intervention as well as medication. Finally we discuss a systems approach involving outreach to coaches, families, and related sports organizations (like FIFA, WADA, etc) or the professional leagues which have institutional control and partial influence on the athlete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the concept of surrender in couple relationships. It proposes that the ability to allow oneself to 'surrender' to one's partner is a developmental achievement that enhances intimacy between partners. Rather than conceptualizing the act of surrender as an indication of submissive behavior and/or the abuse of power dynamics in the relationship, it is argued that surrender can be growth promoting for individuals in the context of their relationship. The article expands the conceptualization of Emmanuel Ghent's (1990) classic paper that differentiated the concepts of masochism, submission, and surrender. The concepts of the paper are illustrated in a summary of clinical work with a heterosexual couple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2This paper discusses limitations of Western psychological practice and the calls for integrating traditional healing practices into counselling and psychotherapy. It also explores challenges to and opportunities in integrated psychological practice systems which revolve around issues related to different paradigmatic perspectives about health and ill-health, practice issues and negative characterization of traditional healing and traditional healers, research into traditional healing and uses of herbal medicines. The paper concludes with discussions on educational and training opportunities, for traditional healers, counsellors and psychotherapists, for addressing challenges to integration and ensuring effective services delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Person-centered therapy is the original relationship therapy. In the context of the increasing interest in the "relational turn" in therapy, this paper reconsiders the therapeutic relationship and the relational in person-centered theory and practice. The paper distinguishes and develops an organismic relational perspective, as distinct from a self-relational perspective, and thus extends Rogers' use of the term "organismic" to include the client--therapist relationship as well as the integral relationship people have with their environment. In this and another paper (Tudor, 2010a), the author argues that an organismic perspective also emphasizes homonomy, or a trend to belonging, alongside autonomy, and thus offers a counterpoint to the emphasis on individuation and individualism prevalent in Western culture and psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the notion that marginalized clients through their socio-cultural and geo-political histories are positioned “outside” the masculine cultural metaphors and conventional theoretical epistemologies of counselling, psychology and psychotherapy. In other words, these minoritized clients are “outside the sentence” of the texts and contexts of therapy. The discursive practice of therapeutic reconstitution and restoration produces a particular set of vocabularies and sentences that facilitate transformation and psychic equilibrium consistent with the process of individuation and self actualization. However, for marginalized groups, such as black and other visible minority, women, deaf, gay and lesbian clients the hegemonic masculine narratives of counselling psychology and psychotherapy only make it possible for these clients to be “outside the sentence”, not just grammatically and metaphorically of the therapeutic project, but in the external reality of how the practice is clinically governed. In other words, the social and cultural marginalization outside the clinic room is in a dialectical relationship with the therapy dyad. For the minoritized client being “outside the sentence” produces the effect of being “inside” another process, i.e., the history of subjugation, domination, diaspora, and displacement. This paper explores this issue and argues that the only way for counselling, psychology and psychotherapy to bring the diversity client “within the sentence” of therapy is to assign and re-inscribe the history, memory and pain of “the Other” voices to the “inside” of the therapeutic space, to interrupt and disrupt the hegemonic masculine narratives, thus transforming “non-sentences” into sentences and paragraphs, and eventually into essays of the discursive subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]