I like you point about trusting that the unconscious mind will reveal the underlying source of the problem and its defences during the course of therapy, and not feeling the need to artificially induce it.
This video is so important! As an ISTDP supervisor I see some therapists trying to force feelings and breakthroughs. The patients discomfort and confusion is evident and it’s really bad for the alliance. I think many therapist put a lot of pressure on themselves, trying to be clever and do things the correct way. Then they loose sight of what’s actually happening with the patient in front of them and results get bad. I have definitely gone into this trap myself.
Many thanks for these different angles to other paths to the unconscious. You say - fairly clearly - that there are other ways than asking about feelings towards the therapist? Does this also apply if the patient is trapped in a powerful state of shame with constant (apparently regressive) tears and anxiety that affects the cognitive system among other things?
@@ebbenielsen7 Case specificity is essential. That said, if a patient is in a state of regressive weepiness and cognitive confusion, a good deal of restructuring is in order.
I was taught to ask, “how would this appear in our relationship as therapist and patient” when the issue wasn’t really part of any interpersonal context, for example, a patient who can’t get motivation to do homework, etc. what do you think of this type of artificial pull into the T?
I like you point about trusting that the unconscious mind will reveal the underlying source of the problem and its defences during the course of therapy, and not feeling the need to artificially induce it.
Agreed,
This video is so important! As an ISTDP supervisor I see some therapists trying to force feelings and breakthroughs. The patients discomfort and confusion is evident and it’s really bad for the alliance. I think many therapist put a lot of pressure on themselves, trying to be clever and do things the correct way. Then they loose sight of what’s actually happening with the patient in front of them and results get bad. I have definitely gone into this trap myself.
So glad it's helpful!
Great video and looking forward to the article!
Thanks. I'll let you know!
Many thanks for these different angles to other paths to the unconscious. You say - fairly clearly - that there are other ways than asking about feelings towards the therapist? Does this also apply if the patient is trapped in a powerful state of shame with constant (apparently regressive) tears and anxiety that affects the cognitive system among other things?
Every case is different, so ti all depends. I would have to see the case to make any specific recommendations.
@@patriciacoughlinphd1852 I think it more generally - and therefore not in a specific case.
@@ebbenielsen7 Case specificity is essential. That said, if a patient is in a state of regressive weepiness and cognitive confusion, a good deal of restructuring is in order.
I was taught to ask, “how would this appear in our relationship as therapist and patient” when the issue wasn’t really part of any interpersonal context, for example, a patient who can’t get motivation to do homework, etc. what do you think of this type of artificial pull into the T?
Anything forced or artificial has no place in effective psychotherapy. We know that therapists authenticity is a key feature of the best therapists.