Psychodynamic-cognitive therapy: Working from the framework of a multimodal matrix of contributors to personality development and behavior.

Abstract

Psychodynamic-Cognitive Therapy (PCT) is an integrative therapeutic approach merging elements from psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive therapy. Human behavior is thought to emerge from a Multimodal Matrix of Contributors (MMC) including genetic predispositions, environmental and oppressive social impacts, cultural influences, object relations and attachment styles, as well as social learning during the early years of childhood development. The development of mental health problems derives from any constellation in the MMC that leads to dysfunctional or maladaptive cognitive patterns. PCT aims to promote therapeutic change by collaborating with clients to achieve the following: psychodynamically interpret and understand their cognitive patterns; gain insight on how these emerged and may be cyclically affecting their current behavior, motivations, interpersonal relations and mental states; challenge these cognitively; and test them behaviorally and interpersonally both within and outside the therapeutic parameters. PCT is critically evaluated against already existing approaches of psychotherapy integration, methods for assessing its effectiveness are discussed, and directions for future research are proposed.