Aspects Of Psychotherapy Research Articles

Challenges and added value of measuring embodied variables in psychotherapy.

Research on embodied aspects of clinical encounters is growing, but discussion on the premises of including embodied variables in empirical research is scarce. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that embodied aspects of psychotherapy interaction are vital in developing a therapeutic alliance, and these should be considered to better understand the change process in psychotherapy. However, the field is still debating which methods should be used and which features of the embodied aspects are relevant in the clinical context. The field lacks methodological consistency as well as a theoretical model. In the Relational Mind research project, we have studied the embodied aspects of interaction in the context of couple therapy for almost a decade and have gained experience with the positive and negative aspects of studying embodied variables in quantitative and qualitative studies. We have set out to develop the methodology (or procedures) for studying embodied variables in a multiperson setting, concentrating on interpersonal synchrony of sympathetic nervous system responses and movements, and we have strived to create methods for integrating information from different embodied modalities. In this narrative review, we share our experiences of the challenges and added value of studying embodied aspects in psychotherapy. The research field urgently needs an ongoing discussion of what researchers should take into consideration when studying the embodied aspects of interaction. We urge researchers to collaborate between research groups to jointly decide on the basic parameters of studies on the different embodied modalities of the research so that the individual researcher can become more aware of the impact the methodological choices have on their studies, results, and interpretations. We also see the use of embodied variables as having added value in the clinical work of psychotherapists, since it not only deepens our understanding about what is helpful in psychotherapy but will enable fine-tuning therapy processes to better suit clients who are verbally less fluent.

Wybrane zagadnienia związane z zaburzeniami zdrowia psychicznego i seksualnego w medycynie rodzinnej na przykładzie zespołu Gansera

In the family doctor's practice, there are patients with mood disorders (depressive episodes), neurotic disorders (hypochondriac disorders, generalized and mixed anxiety disorders) and insomnia as well as with comorbidities (e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease). Each case in the diagnostic and treatment process requires the cooperation of a family doctor with a psychiatrist. The aspects of psychotherapy are also important; used in patients with mood and neurotic disorders: cognitive-behavioral and integrative psychotherapy. A difficult example of such a problem is Ganser's syndrome, which is also known as pseudo-dementia. It is considered a manifestation of dissociative disorders. Affected patients may show complete amnesia. These patients may also be unable to perform the simplest tasks. There are suggestions that the Ganser syndrome may be an attempt at simulation in a particularly difficult life situation. Symptoms of Ganser syndrome include sudden problems with carrying out everyday activities or answering the simplest questions.

Role of Cognitive Control in Psychotherapy: An Integrated Review.

Cognitive control (CC), including shifting, updating, and inhibiting functions, may play an integral role in various aspects of psychotherapy; however, research on this is limited. This review aims to link the disparate lines of evidence on CC as they relate to psychotherapy processes, techniques, and outcomes. A systematic search of the literature on neuropsychological domains relating to psychotherapy in adults with anxiety/depression yielded 18 eligible studies. The review also uses a narrative format to explore other potential links between CC and psychotherapy that are underinvestigated, and highlights the need for research and application to evidence-based practice of psychotherapy. Findings suggest that CC may predict psychotherapy outcomes and also improve as a function of psychotherapy. Analog sample studies suggest a possible link between CC and techniques for regulation of cognition and emotion, such as reappraisal, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring. CC may also play an integral role in the regulation of behavior. Study of CC in the context of psychotherapy may potentially explain individual differences in psychotherapy outcomes and mechanisms of action of various psychotherapy techniques and processes. Such an understanding may have possible implications for "best fit" matching clients to therapies and modifying psychological interventions to account for poorer CC abilities. CC may be enhanced through training and further research is warranted on the impact of such training in facilitating better long-term psychotherapy outcomes.

A qualitative analysis of sacred moments in religiously integrated group therapy

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore sacred moments in religiously integrated group therapy for Danish Pentecostals who were experiencing a personal crisis (n = 18). This was a follow-up study based on data from 2009 and 2018. An interpretative phenomenological analytical approach was used to generate and analyze the data material. Three themes emerged: 1) Relationship with God, 2) Relationship with therapist, and 3) Relationship with group members. The participants’ experiences of sacred moments in these relationships were primarily facilitated by a strong therapeutic alliance, trust in the therapist, and therapeutic exercises. The study indicates that trust may be a prerequisite to clients’ experience of spiritual qualities in therapy. The interrelationships in group settings can facilitate sacred moments if led by a spiritually legitimated and trustful therapist. Our findings emphasise the value of working therapeutically with sacred relational aspects in psychotherapy in highly secularised countries as Denmark.

Psikoterapi Abū Naṣr al-Sarrāj al-Ṭūsī: Tinjauan atas al-Maqāmāt al-Rūḥāniyyah dalam Kitab al- Luma‘

Appeared for the first time in 1965 in the monumental work of Reza Arasteh, Sufi spiritual approaches and methods in psychotherapy have to wait for Muslim scholars attention in the 21st century. To our concern, up to now only few studies which dive in the ocean of Sufi doctrinal aspects of psychotherapy: most of them still swim at the upper level trying to estimate the possible relationship between Sufi spiritual practices and methods of psychotherapy. However, to our surprise, none of these few studies that focus on the Sufi spiritual maqāmāt, the well-known meticulous step-by-step guidance for those who want to master their soul and mental states. In the absence of this, the present article attempts to explore the maqāmāt discussed by Abū al-Naṣr al-Sarrāj al-Ṭūsī in his famous al-Luma‘ in light of psychotherapy. At the end this article finds that these Sufi maqāmāt are not only means for spiritual purification, i.e., soul and mental well-being, but also al-Sarrāj’s model of Sufistic psychotherapeutic outline method.

Chosen ethical aspects in the work of psychotherapists – a review of ethical rules and elaborations regarding conducting psychotherapy in Poland on the basis of the regulations’ analysis

The aim of the article is to present the chosen ethical aspects of psychotherapy. In the present moment in Poland there are no statutory regulations regarding the profession of psychotherapists, and the rules present in psychotherapy result from other regulations and ethical codes of certain psychotherapy associations. Despite several differences resulting from the assumptions of given psychotherapy schools, among psychotherapists there is a consensus regarding basic ethical rules in psychotherapy. They consider a care of clients’ wellbeing, respect of their subjectivity and autonomy, an obligation of an ongoing professional development of psychotherapists and keeping of professional secrecy. The article is devoted to the above issues, it should be noted, however, that it does not fully elaborate on a given topic, it merely signals some of its aspects basing on the current regulations which refer to psychologists practice and chosen essays.

Adaptation of the negative effects questionnaire into the Czech context

Objective: The aim of this study was to adapt the Negative Effects Questionnaire (NEQ) into the Czech context and to assess its psychometric properties as well as the extent to which it covers important areas of the negative aspects of psychotherapy. Method: A total of 226 respondents answered an online survey. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were conducted to assess the NEQ factor structure. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the open-ended NEQ item. Results: In terms of confirmatory factor analysis, the six-factor model proposed by the authors of the NEQ did not demonstrate an adequate fit. In a subsequent exploratory factor analysis, a more parsimonious, five-factor solution was proposed instead. Furthermore, a thematic analysis revealed some areas underrepresented in the NEQ, particularly clients’ relationships with their relatives. Conclusions: The NEQ is a reliable instrument with a high added value for research and practice. Several directions for future development are suggested.

Teaching Neuroscience: A Primer for Psychotherapists.

From the beginning of their psychotherapy training, students need to think about how talking changes the brain, how development is encoded in the body, and how connecting neuroscience and psychotherapy can help us improve psychosocial interventions to optimally help patients. But teaching neuroscience doesn't come naturally to many psychotherapy educators—myself included. We were trained as clinicians, not as researchers, so for many of us, reading and searching the neuroscience literature is challenging. Over many years, and with the help of wonderful colleagues, I am learning to read neuroscience papers and to incorporate what I learn into my psychotherapy teaching.When I teach neuroscience in a psychotherapy course, I do it with great humility. I make it very clear to my students that I'm not a neuroscientist and that I'm not an expert in the field. Instead, I learn with my students, as together we try to understand the science and what it can tell us about the mind, development, and psychotherapy.I also make it very clear that I'm not presenting this material as if it proves something about psychotherapy. We don't know enough about the neuroscience of psychotherapy to do that. Rather, I'm trying to get my students as excited as I am about what neuroscience can teach us about psychotherapy. My hope is that it will stimulate them to think about connections between neuroscience and psychotherapy when they are talking to patients, thinking about formulation, conceptualizing experiments and choosing their careers.Over the years, I've found that using carefully chosen neuroscience papers that I can understand really helps me to get the neuroscience/psychotherapy conversation going in a classroom. To that end, I offer five papers that I use when I teach psychotherapy. They are all written by top researchers and published in the nation's premiere scientific journals. Each one provides interesting potential insights into a different aspect of psychotherapy.

Nieheteronormatywność i kultura psychoterapii

Nonheteronormativity and culture of psychotherapyCulture has a paramount impact on every aspect of psychotherapy, its conceptualizations, clas­sifications, diagnostic procedures, use of psychometric tools, implementation of therapeutic ap­proaches and outcome expectations. Cultural changes evoke psychotherapeutic permutations, they may be subtle but at times shifts are radical. Nonheteronormativity serves as an interesting example of struggles between forces of sexual liberation and social control. This article objective is to present selected aspects, dynamics of changes as well as relatively stable tendencies regarding capricious re­lations between homosexuality and psychotherapy, which could be perceived as vehicle of self-real­ization and/or agency of control.

REVISITING THE SAFE PLACE:Method and Regulatory Aspects in Psychotherapy when Easing Allostatic Overload in Traumatized Patients

Safe-place inductions are considered important altered states of consciousness (ASC) to be (re)installed during trauma-informed psychotherapy. Coregulation aimed at changing implicit relational knowing and increasing integration and coherence through relational work and hypnotic techniques is crucial, as clients’ abilities to self-soothe and regulate have become seriously impaired. Thus, resource-oriented metaphors as inner strength imagery is advocated. Also, methods such as creative-arts therapy and neurofeedback will induce ASCs, as most methods used with complex traumatized clients, due to their high hypnotizability. When positive or soothing imagery or relationally held suggestions for changed attentional focus are added to both psychodynamic psychotherapy and CBT, a hetero-hypnosis will be induced—a prerequisite for phase-specific trauma therapy aimed at changing inner schemas and scripts.

“I couldn’t change the past; the answer wasn’t there”: A case study on the subjective construction of psychotherapeutic change of a patient with a Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis and her therapist

Background: Qualitative research has provided knowledge about the subjective experiences of therapists and patients regarding the psychotherapy process and its results. Only few studies have attempted to integrate both perspectives, considering the influence of a patient’s characteristics and diagnosis in the construction of this experience. Aim: To identify aspects of psychotherapy that contribute to therapeutic change based on the experience of a patient and her therapist, and to construct an integrated comprehension of the change process of a patient with Borderline Personality Disorder. Method: A single case was used to carry out a qualitative analysis of follow-up interviews of the participants of a long-term psychotherapy. Two qualitative approaches were combined into a model entitled “Discovery-Oriented Biographical Analysis” to reconstruct an integrated narrative. Results: This method yielded an integrated narrative organized into four “chapters” that reflect the subjective construction of both the patient’s and the therapist’s experience of psychotherapy in terms of meaning. Discussion: The understanding of psychotherapy as a multilevel process, in which different themes occur and develop simultaneously, is discussed. From this perspective, psychotherapy can be characterized as a process that involves the recovery of trust in others through corrective emotional experiences and the construction of a shared implicit relational knowledge.Clinical or methodological significance of this article: Research on the subjective experiences of psychotherapy must consider both patient and therapist as privileged but always complementary witnesses of their interaction. In addition, it should be noted that the experience of studying this biographical reconstruction generates a space where research and practice converge. The analysis of participants’ narratives provides fascinating windows into their perceptions of psychotherapy and the process of change (Safran, 2013); here, the researcher is not merely a advantaged observer or a good summarizer: He/she has the chance to imbue the psychotherapy with a new meaning by connecting it with a common set of knowledge and a body of socially shared experience.

The new aspect of psychotherapy in our clinical psychiatric unit: The effort it took to make it work; and the first results

IntroductionOur two units take care of a rather big number of people (about 170 000). Various activities are proposed for outpatients and the idea was expressed to initiate art therapy.ObjectivesWe first analysed the possibility of starting this new mediation equally in the two units. A team was formed: a clinical psychiatrist and two registered nurses, one being an art therapist as well. We started this activity with a small group of out patients in April 2016.AimsThe registered nurse – art therapist was provided with appropriate space, art material and furniture by hospital sources. The other unit will send the nurse for training in art – therapy: leave and grant are provided by the hospital. Her project is different and yet complementary.MethodsThe group was validated and evaluated by the art therapist and the psychiatrist. The organization of the activity is left to the art therapist. A questionnaire was filled out by art therapist before beginning the art therapy and at regular intervals.ResultsPatients are engaged by this therapy and come on regular basis. They chose painting to express themselves and leave their productions in the room after they are finished.ConclusionsThe newly opened psychotherapy – art therapy has brought many positive changes in our hospital for working staff as well as for the patients.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.AcknowledgementsWe want to thank the Chiefs of our Department of Psychiatry, Grandin Pascal, MD and Benzaken-Charlier Catherine MD for their acceptance and support of this project.

The role of the five‐factor model in personality assessment and treatment planning.

Nearly two decades ago, Harkness and Lilienfeld (1997) published a seminal article in which they articulated the potential roles that personality assessment might play in treatment planning. Four broad areas were outlined, including how personality assessment can (a) inform where to focus change efforts, (b) foster realistic expectations of therapeutic gains, (c) facilitate effective treatment matching, and (d) enhance self-development. We review the literature examining the role of personality assessment in treatment, using these four recommendations as a framework. We conclude that more research is needed to test (a) whether changes in characteristic adaptations mediate effects of basic personality dispositions on symptom improvement, (b) the effect of personality on treatment motivation and homework compliance, (c) the role of personality in the prediction of various aspects of psychotherapy, and (d) the efficacy of therapeutic assessment techniques using measures of universal personality traits. We also assert, more generally, that although the field has progressed to some extent in the past two decades, clinical psychologists should cultivate and advance a stronger recognition of how personality assessment can be used to enhance treatment interventions. We believe positive treatment is optimized if psychotherapists or other providers of intervention are equipped with information from personality assessment to select treatment modalities and construct treatment plans.

The Relationship between the Psychology of Religion and Buddhist Psychology

AbstractThe psychology of religion and Buddhist psychology have deep historical connections. However, there has been a lack of discourse between these fields of study. Therefore this paper focuses on the relationship between the psychology of religion and Buddhist psychology as well as the history and research trends of each field. Recently, studies on the psychology of religion and Buddhist psychology have attracted attention based on the concepts of “spirituality” and “mindfulness.” Moreover, there have been a number of psychotherapeutic techniques developed that are based on mindfulness meditation. The relationship between the psychology of religion and Buddhist psychology is complex and often the subject of confusion. The complexity results from the fact that Buddhism could be seen as an alternative to psychology in the analysis of the mind; and moreover, Buddhism also contains aspects of psychotherapy that bring peace of mind.

Psychotherapists as gatekeepers: An evidence-based case study highlighting the role and process of letter writing for transgender clients.

In order to receive medically necessary gender-affirming treatments, transgender individuals are required to provide evidence of their readiness for gender transitioning. Most often, this evidence includes 1 letter for hormone therapy and 2 letters for surgery. According to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care (SOC), psychotherapists or other eligible health professionals are the only individuals qualified to write these letters. The present case study examined how psychotherapist gatekeeping and letter writing for a transgender client were intertwined with psychotherapy processes and outcomes. Over the course of 12 months of treatment, the client was assessed through 8 time points using multiple methods. Six of the assessments were conducted with validated outcome measures (baseline; Sessions 5, 10, 15, and 20; and termination); 1 of the assessments was conducted as a clinical interview for letter-writing purposes and additional outcome measures (Session 8); and evaluating the process of letter writing was an aspect of psychotherapy (Session 20). Symptom alleviation, improvement in psychological well-being, and increases in overall quality of life occurred from baseline to termination. Results indicate that psychotherapy assisted with the process of gender transitioning, which in turn improved client outcomes. Recommendations for writing letters for clients who desire a gender transition are included.

Ethical Aspects in the Psychotherapy of Graduates, with an Accent on Spirituality and Religion

Ethic aspects in psychotherapy for undergraduates, with an accent on spirituality, religion Problem Statement: The contribution deals with the question of value of religion as a tool for therapeutic practice Research Questions: To what extent can the value of religion affect the process of therapy? Purpose of the Study: The contribution deals with contemporary etic dilemmas in psychotherapy through the focus of Existential analysis and Logotherapy. Spirituality and religion are values that affect both client's and therapist's perception of their mutual relationship. Research Methods: The contribution contains casuistic of individual clients, with the accent on qualitative evaluation. The results clarify the process of how spirituality and conscious religious values affect both the therapist - client relationship and the client's progress. Findings: In their practice therapists are obliged to hold to certain ethic principles. However, in day-to-day practice these principles may not be sufficient, and in their decisions therapists must listen to their conscience and ethics. The issue of spirituality and religion has an undisputed impact on forming a person's conscience, no matter whether in position of a client or a therapist. Conclusions: Logotherapy deals with spiritual issues, especially the issue of meaning. The conflict with theology is thus inevitable. The aim of psychotherapy is the mental recovery, the aim of religion is the salvation of soul. Religion can positively affect client's health, providing it is distinguished and used correctly.

Memory reconsolidation and self-reorganization.

Lane et al. propose that memory reconsolidation through new emotional experiences is an integrative pathway to change in psychotherapy. My commentary suggests that memory reconsolidation is an element within self-reorganization. Given the focal nature of the self to every aspect of psychotherapy, it is a more useful construct on which to build integrative models than memory reconsolidation.

Teaching psychological processes and psychotherapy to medical students.

Psychiatrists are in a key position to teach medical students about psychotherapy. Whilst at first it may appear a formidable task, it need not be so. It should however, have applicability to the bulk of students, who will not go on to psychiatry training. We outline some potentially useful strategies to help clinicians teach aspects of psychotherapy to students: making it easy and relevant, illustrating the broad applications of psychological concepts, introducing cultural references, as well as appreciating that assessment can drive learning.

Psychotherapy under Capitalism: The Production, Circulation and Management of Value and Subjectivity

This article is concerned with the place of psychotherapy under capitalism. This is addressed using elements of the critique of political economy undertaken by Marx. I also argue that a Marxist critique of capitalist political economy is also necessarily feminist. I include analyses of the “feminisation” of work in order to grasp how value is produced, circulated and managed by psychotherapy, how subjectivity is targeted. Three aspects of psychotherapy are discussed to illustrate the value of a Marxist feminist approach to this particular practice of the self: the question of payment for the labour of a psychotherapist (and the labour of the client); the question of public health provision, focusing here on the UK's National Health Service; and the continuing debates about the role of the State and the regulation of public and private provision of psychotherapy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Culture and attitudes toward psychological help-seeking influence clients’ self-disclosure

Cultural factors are known to influence aspects of psychotherapy. The influence of cultural values on self-disclosure was explored through surveys of Greek migrants to Australia (n = 106), native Greek Cypriots (n = 189), and Australians (n = 35) on individualism–collectivism, attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, and measures of self-disclosure. It was hypothesized that more collectivist participants would have less positive attitudes regarding self-disclosure. Against our predictions, all three groups showed highly similar attitudes toward seeking help and self-disclosure that were not related to the predicted links with individualism–collectivism.