Abstract
The role of oxytocin and alexithymia in the therapeutic process.
Highlights
Based on an extant literature review Lane et al propose that therapeutic success results from changing conflictual, often non-conscious, emotional memories
Existent internal autobiographical models based on negative emotional memories become activated within the context of a positively colored therapeutic dyad and are reconsolidated as new, more positively colored internal models
Oxytocin might facilitate the establishment of a positive therapeutic alliance and a relaxed atmosphere during therapy, which makes it easier for patients to awaken conflictual memories and tolerate concomitantly resurfacing negative emotions
Summary
Based on an extant literature review Lane et al propose that therapeutic success results from changing conflictual, often non-conscious, emotional memories. Existent internal autobiographical models based on negative emotional memories become activated within the context of a positively colored therapeutic dyad and are reconsolidated as new, more positively colored internal models. Those three levels relate to an overarching principle in the function of the neuropeptide oxytocin to facilitate the construction and selection of positive internal models of social relationships and support.
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