Assessment 4

STACIE SPILER_IKO3001904 COU103_MODELS OF CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE.

INTRODUCTION. The objective is to craft a cohesive integration of Constructivism, with a focus on narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamics. This integrated approach seeks to draw on the strengths of each modality to deliver a thorough and impactful therapeutic journey for clients. Achieving this integration demands flexibility, creativity, and a profound comprehension of the principles and techniques inherent in each approach. By blending these modalities, therapists can provide a holistic and personalised approach, effectively addressing the multifaceted needs of clients and fostering enduring change. The following is the framework that will facilitate integration..

[Audio] Identifying Cognitive Distortions: CBT focuses on identifying and challenging cognitive distortions or irrational thoughts contributing to negative emotions and behaviours. Behavioural Experiments: CBT encourages clients to engage in behavioural experiments to test the validity of their beliefs and assumptions, promoting behavioural change through real-life experiences. Skills Acquisition: CBT emphasizes the acquisition of coping skills and strategies to manage distressing emotions and maladaptive behaviours effectively. Cognitive Restructuring: CBT involves restructuring negative thought patterns by replacing them with more adaptive and realistic beliefs, leading to lasting changes in emotional well-being. Collaborative Goal Setting: CBT emphasizes collaborative goal setting between the therapist and client, focusing on specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to facilitate progress..

[Audio] Identifying Unconscious Processes: Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious processes, such as unconscious conflicts, beliefs, and defence mechanisms, to gain insight into underlying psychological dynamics. Transference and Countertransference: Psychodynamic therapy acknowledges the role of transference and countertransference in the therapeutic relationship, facilitating the exploration of past relationship patterns and emotional experiences. Interpretation: Psychodynamic therapy involves the therapist offering interpretations of the client's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, aimed at increasing self-awareness and understanding of unconscious material. Working Through: Psychodynamic therapy encourages the client to work through unresolved emotional issues and conflicts from the past, leading to increased insight and emotional growth. Focus on the Therapeutic Relationship: Psychodynamic therapy places a significant emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, providing a safe and supportive environment for exploring and processing difficult emotions..

[Audio] Externalization of Problems: Narrative therapy externalizes problems, separating them from the client's identity, and allowing for a more objective exploration of the client's experiences. Deconstruction of Limiting Narratives: Narrative therapy involves deconstructing limiting narratives or stories that contribute to the client's distress, empowering them to rewrite their stories from a position of strength. Rewriting: Narrative therapy focuses on rewriting or reconstructing alternative narratives that align with the client's values, beliefs, and preferred identities, promoting self-empowerment and meaning-making. External Validation: Narrative therapy utilizes the external validation of the therapist or family members to validate the client's experiences and co-create new narratives, fostering a sense of connection and solidarity..

Integrated change principles when the three are combined.

undefined. Assessment and Case Formulation Integrating NARRATIVE THERAPY.

undefined. undefined. Assessment and Case Formulation Integrating cbt.

undefined. undefined. Assessment and Case Formulation Integrating PSYCHODYNAMICS.

[Audio] Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): In CBT, we embrace the Cognitive Theory of Personality, which suggests that our behaviours and emotions stem from the way we perceive ourselves, others, and the world around us. Maladaptive thought patterns are seen as contributors to psychological distress. CBT intervenes by actively working to transform these patterns. By interrupting these negative thought cycles and guiding them towards more adaptive alternatives, we facilitate meaningful change in how we think, feel, and act. This process empowers individuals to navigate challenges with greater resilience and to cultivate a more positive and fulfilling outlook on life. Psychodynamic Therapy: Within the realm of psychodynamic therapy, we adhere to the Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality. This theory delves deep into the influence of unconscious processes and early life experiences on our personality and behaviour. It highlights the significance of unresolved conflicts and unconscious desires in shaping our psychological well-being. Through understanding and resolving these underlying conflicts, we pave the way for profound personal growth and healing. Narrative Therapy: This theory proposes that our identities are constructed, and our lives understood through the stories we tell ourselves. Rather than being passive recipients of our circumstances, we're active agents who shape our realities through narrative. Narrative therapy aims to empower individuals by assisting them in re-writing their stories, thereby fostering self-empowerment and facilitating positive change..

Integrated THEORIES OF PERSONALITY.

[Audio] CBT Integration: We'll use CBT techniques to examine how your perception of yourself, others, and the world may be contributing to your distress. For example, let's say you have a recurring thought that you're not good enough. We'll work together to challenge this belief and replace it with a more balanced and empowering perspective. Psychodynamic Integration: Now, let's delve deeper into your past experiences and unconscious processes. We'll explore any unresolved conflicts or unconscious desires that may be influencing your self-perception. For instance, perhaps there's a childhood experience that has left you feeling inadequate. By bringing these unconscious dynamics into awareness, we can begin to untangle their impact on your present emotions and behaviours. Narrative Integration: Finally, let's consider the stories you tell yourself about your life. How do these narratives shape your identity and worldview? Through narrative therapy, we'll work to re-author your story in a way that aligns with your values and promotes personal empowerment. For instance, we might explore how reframing your past experiences can lead to a more hopeful and resilient narrative about your future..

Theories about what creates mental illness in the three models.

[Audio] Cognitive Distortions: CBT suggests that maladaptive thought patterns, known as cognitive distortions, play a significant role in the development and maintenance of mental illness. These distortions can include negative self-perceptions, catastrophic thinking, and overgeneralization. For example, someone experiencing depression may consistently interpret situations in their life as hopeless or without value, contributing to their depressive symptoms. Unconscious Conflicts and Defence Mechanisms: Psychodynamic therapy suggests that mental illness arises from unresolved conflicts and unconscious desires, often rooted in early childhood experiences. These conflicts generate psychological distress that individuals may be unable to recognize or address consciously. In response, defence mechanisms are employed to protect the individual from experiencing overwhelming anxiety or emotional pain. For instance, someone struggling with anxiety may unconsciously use repression to push troubling thoughts or memories out of awareness. Limiting Beliefs & Saturated Stories: Narrative therapy views mental illness as emerging from the internalization of dominant narratives and problem-saturated stories about oneself and one's experiences. These narratives can shape how individuals perceive themselves, others, and the world around them, leading to feelings of powerlessness, inadequacy, or hopelessness. For example, someone struggling with low self-esteem may have internalized a narrative that they are inherently flawed or unworthy, perpetuating feelings of self-doubt and despair..

undefined. HOW INTEGRATION LOOKS. Integrating these perspectives into a therapy session involves creating a comprehensive approach that addresses cognitive distortions, unconscious conflicts and defence mechanisms, as well as limiting beliefs and problem-saturated stories. Here's how you could do it: Assessment and Psychoeducation: Start by discussing with the client the various ways in which their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours may be interconnected. Provide psychoeducation about cognitive distortions, unconscious conflicts, defence mechanisms, and limiting beliefs, explaining how they contribute to mental illness. Identifying Cognitive Distortions: Collaboratively identify specific cognitive distortions that the client may be experiencing, such as black-and-white thinking or mind reading. Explore how these distortions manifest in the client's daily life and contribute to their emotional distress. Exploring Unconscious Conflicts and Defence Mechanisms: Encourage the client to reflect on past experiences and relationships that may have influenced their current patterns of thinking and behaving. Explore any unresolved conflicts or unconscious desires that may be contributing to the client's psychological distress. Discuss the defence mechanisms the client may be employing to cope with these conflicts, such as repression or projection..

[Audio] Challenging Limiting Beliefs and Saturated Stories: Help the client identify and challenge limiting beliefs and problem-saturated stories they hold about themselves, others, and the world. Explore alternative narratives and perspectives that empower the client and promote a sense of agency and self-worth. Use narrative techniques such as externalization and re-authoring to help the client construct new, more adaptive narratives. Integration and Action Planning: Integrate insights from cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, and narrative perspectives to develop a tailored treatment plan. Collaborate with the client to set goals and implement strategies for challenging cognitive distortions, resolving unconscious conflicts, and reframing limiting beliefs. Monitor progress over time and adjust interventions as needed to promote continued growth and healing..

Theories about what creates healing and wellness within each model.

[Audio] Cognitive Restructuring: CBT teaches us that our thoughts greatly influence our well-being. By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, we can experience improved mood and reduced distress. This process allows us to cultivate a more balanced and realistic perspective, enhancing our overall mental health. Behavioural Activation: CBT emphasizes the importance of engaging in rewarding activities to promote wellness. By increasing positive behaviours and reducing avoidance, individuals can experience a greater sense of fulfilment and well-being. This proactive approach to life encourages us to pursue activities that bring joy and meaning to our lives. Skills Acquisition: CBT equips us with practical coping skills to manage life's challenges effectively. Through the acquisition of skills such as stress management and problem-solving, individuals can develop resilience and enhance their ability to navigate difficult situations. These skills empower us to cope with adversity and thrive in the face of life's uncertainties..

[Audio] Insight and Understanding: Psychodynamic therapy focuses on gaining insight into unconscious conflicts and unresolved issues. By exploring past experiences and understanding the underlying dynamics contributing to psychological distress, individuals can achieve greater self-awareness and self-understanding. This process of insight allows for emotional growth and healing. Working Through: Psychodynamic therapy emphasizes the process of addressing unresolved emotional conflicts within the therapeutic relationship. By confronting and processing difficult feelings, individuals can work through past traumas and experiences. This therapeutic process promotes emotional healing and paves the way for personal growth. Integration of fragmentation: Psychodynamic therapy aims to integrate fragmented aspects of the self. By acknowledging and accepting all aspects of oneself, individuals can achieve a greater sense of wholeness and integration. This process allows for the reconciliation of internal conflicts and fosters a greater sense of self-acceptance and authenticity..

[Audio] Re-authoring Stories: Narrative therapy encourages individuals to challenge and rewrite their life narratives. By exploring alternative perspectives and reframing their stories, individuals can reclaim agency and authorship over their lives. This process empowers individuals to create narratives that align with their values and aspirations, promoting personal growth and empowerment. Externalizing Problems: Narrative therapy invites individuals to externalize their problems and view them from a detached perspective. By separating themselves from their problems, individuals can gain clarity and perspective on their experiences. This process allows for a more objective exploration of challenges and promotes a greater sense of agency in navigating them. Unique Outcomes: Narrative therapy celebrates moments of resilience and creativity in individuals' lives. By highlighting unique outcomes and exceptions to dominant narratives, individuals can cultivate hope and agency. This process fosters a sense of optimism and possibility, encouraging individuals to embrace their strengths and potential for growth..

INTEGRATION. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of cognitive, emotional, and narrative processes in promoting healing and wellness, empowering individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation..

[Audio] Cognitive Restructuring (CBT): We recognize the power of our thoughts in shaping our reality and work to challenge and replace negative thought patterns with more balanced and realistic ones. Insight and Understanding (Psychodynamic Therapy): Through exploration of past experiences and unconscious conflicts, we gain insight into the underlying dynamics contributing to psychological distress, fostering greater self-awareness and self-understanding. Re-authoring Stories (Narrative Therapy): By reframing and reclaiming our narratives, we empower ourselves to rewrite our life stories in alignment with our values and aspirations, promoting personal growth and empowerment. Behavioural Activation (CBT): We emphasize the importance of engaging in rewarding and meaningful activities to promote wellness, encouraging positive behaviours and reducing avoidance. Working Through (Psychodynamic Therapy): We address unresolved emotional conflicts within the therapeutic relationship, confronting and processing difficult feelings to promote emotional healing and personal growth. Externalizing Problems (Narrative Therapy): By separating ourselves from our problems and viewing them from a detached perspective, we gain clarity and perspective, promoting a greater sense of agency in navigating life's challenges. Skills Acquisition (CBT): We equip ourselves with practical coping skills to manage life's challenges effectively, enhancing resilience and our ability to navigate difficult situations. Integration of fragmentation (Psychodynamic Therapy): We aim to integrate fragmented aspects of the self, fostering a greater sense of wholeness and self-acceptance by acknowledging and accepting all parts of ourselves. Unique Outcomes (Narrative Therapy): We celebrate moments of resilience and creativity, highlighting exceptions to dominant narratives and fostering a sense of hope and possibility..

Assumptions and values embedded in each model.

Model ASSUMPTIONS VALUES CBT Thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected, and changing one can affect the others. Maladaptive behaviours and emotions often arise from distorted or irrational thinking patterns. Individuals can learn to identify and challenge their negative thoughts to promote positive change. Empowerment: Equipping individuals with practical skills to manage their thoughts and behaviours. Evidence-Based Practice: Using techniques and interventions. Collaboration: Working together to set goals and implement strategies for change. PSYCHODYNAMICS Unconscious processes and early life experiences influence current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Past traumas and unresolved conflicts can manifest in present symptoms and behaviours. Exploring unconscious material and addressing unresolved conflicts within the therapeutic relationship can lead to insight and healing. Depth and Insight: Delving beneath surface-level symptoms to explore root causes of psychological distress. Relationship: Trust, empathy, and authenticity in the therapeutic alliance. Integration: Fostering a sense of wholeness and self-acceptance. NARRATIVE THERAPY Individuals construct their realities through the stories they tell about themselves and their experiences. Problematic narratives can contribute to feelings of distress and disempowerment. By externalizing problems and re-writing their narratives, individuals can reclaim power and create alternative, more empowering stories. Autonomy and Empowerment: Challenging and rewriting life stories to reclaim agency and authorship. Diversity and Social Justice: Recognizing and challenging dominant cultural narratives. Collaboration and Respect: Co-creating meaningful change while honouring the client's expertise and lived experience..

Practical therapeutic techniques/processes within each model and when to use them..

[Audio] Cognitive Restructuring: This technique involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns. It is often used when clients exhibit cognitive distortions such as black-and-white thinking or catastrophizing. Behavioural Activation: This technique focuses on increasing engagement in rewarding and meaningful activities. It is used when clients are experiencing symptoms of depression or low motivation. Exposure Therapy: This technique involves gradually exposing clients to feared situations or stimuli in a controlled manner. It is used to treat anxiety disorders such as phobias or PTSD. Problem-Solving Skills: This technique teaches clients how to break down problems into manageable steps and develop effective solutions. It is used when clients are facing practical challenges or decision-making difficulties..

[Audio] Free Association: This technique involves encouraging clients to freely express their thoughts and feelings without censorship. It is used to explore unconscious material and gain insight into underlying conflicts. Dream Analysis: This technique involves analyzing the content of clients' dreams to uncover unconscious wishes and fears. It is used to explore symbolic representations of unresolved issues. Transference Analysis: This technique involves exploring the client's feelings and reactions towards the therapist, which may reflect unresolved conflicts from past relationships. It is used to gain insight into relational patterns and dynamics. Interpretation: This technique involves offering insights and interpretations of the client's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It is used to promote self-awareness and understanding of unconscious processes..

[Audio] Externalizing Problems: This technique involves separating the problem from the person, allowing clients to view their challenges from a different perspective. It is used to reduce the impact of problems on clients' sense of identity and self-worth. Re-writing Stories: This technique involves helping clients rewrite their life narratives in a way that emphasizes their strengths and resilience. It is used to empower clients to challenge dominant narratives and create new, more empowering stories. Therapeutic Letter Writing (SHADOW WORK): This technique involves writing letters to clients that validate their experiences, challenge problematic narratives, and offer alternative perspectives. It is used to promote reflection, insight, and emotional processing. External Witnessing: This technique involves the therapist bearing witness to the client's experiences in a nonjudgmental and empathetic manner. It is used to validate clients' experiences and foster a sense of connection and support..