Integrative Healing Therapy
From studying several different types of couple’s therapy, I have come to the conclusion that not one single theory will work for every individual/couple. This being the case, having knowledge of the vast array of therapies out there will allow the therapist to pick and choose which techniques and skills that will work best for each individual/couple. Integrative Healing Therapy does just that by evaluating both the individuals’ and the system’s level of functioning before treatment begins so that the therapist can map out where to put the focus. This road map can include psychodynamic, systemic, object relations, and cognitive behavior approaches to explore changes in the system in order to facilitate individual intrapsychic shifts to promote growth in the clients’ overall functioning, thinking, and behavior.
To create this road map, an assessment needs to be done to determine whether to begin with the individuals or the system. If the clients’ abilities to discuss their feelings are limited, individuals are seen alone till they can come together with self-control and less anxiety to discuss issues and negotiate terms of the relationship. Before this can occur, growth and change needs to take place. This is accomplished by an individual acknowledging their own behaviors and to decide if they want to change patterns that no longer work for them. Once the clients have an understanding of their differentiated self, the goal is to bring the individuals back together for joint sessions.
In order for the client to become differentiated from their partner, the therapist uses the approaches mentioned earlier. From a psychodynamic perspective, the basic drives are examined to determine how the individual can attain fulfillment and balance of these drives to achieve integrated psychological functioning. By looking at the individual from an object relation theory, the therapist can identify how clients use defenses such as splitting, cutting off, projection, and projective identification. When a client gains insight to their own defenses, they can begin to take responsibility for their actions. Cognitive behavioral strategies are utilized to change their thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors to a healthier level of functioning. This is done through cognitive relabeling, assertiveness training, role modeling, relaxation, communication skills, and several other interventions that have been proven effective.
A therapist also wants to identify the origins of the client’s behavior. Meaning whether it stems from the clients nuclear family, family of origin, or extended family. Creating a genogram can normalize people’s perceptions when they realize dysfunctional behavior has been happening for generations and that they are repeating the patterns without being aware of what they are doing. By assessing the effect of intergenerational influences on the couple’s relationship, a therapist can help the clients reorganize their thinking about ethnic values and resolve conflicts that evolve out of different perceptions and experiences. Many of the conflicts that couples face are dictated by culturally and ethnically stated or unspoken roles. Therefore, it is fundamental that a therapist is comfortable with their own cultural or ethnic background, yet without assuming their cultural experience is the norm. By looking at the contextual variables such as race, ethnic background, cultural background, religion, gender, life cycle stage, socioeconomic background, and sexual preference, the therapist can comprehend the influences that foster positive or negative self-esteem, self-worth, and identity. With this comprehension, the therapist can help take the stigma out of the couple’s problems while enabling them to become empowered to change their behaviors and feelings.
The main goal for most couples entering therapy is to increase the intimacy in the relationship. This is made possible by providing a safe emotional place for the clients to express themselves free of consequences while establishing equality of power between the partners. The therapist helps facilitate communication between the couple that enables them to share, explore, and problem solve more effectively, and this in return promotes more intimate interactions and less conflict.
Having the wisdom that there are several therapeutic approaches available to help couples is what I found most useful about Integrative Healing Couples Therapy. Obtaining the knowledge and experience needed to make sensible decisions and judgments on what approach to apply is what makes a great therapist, and this comes from having a clear understanding of the theories put into practice. Knowing that there is a theory out there that combines theories has provided me with the insight that I should not concentrate on any one approach to assisting couples, but acquire a comprehensive understanding of each approach. Once I have achieved this level of intellectual capacity, I believe I can become an effective couples therapist.