Conducting Generic Talk Therapy

Abstract

Once the initial assessment has been made, we continue to build a picture of how to conduct a generic, unstructured therapy. After transferring the conversation to the patient, we can focus on the therapist’s number-one job, following the flow of information. This leads to a three-step dance in which we intervene only when some resistance begins to interfere with the flow. When this happens, we change the focus to the inhibiting dysfunctional pattern, an EDP that has been triggered. Its exploration usually leads to resolution and continuation of the flow of information. Beyond this simple alternation between free flow of conversation and exploration of resistance, there are times when the therapist should take the initiative in showing how to articulate feelings and uncover EDPs. Next, the chapter explores cycles within the therapy and concludes with the question of whether there might be ways to do better in discovering issues, seeking emotional healing, and fostering behavior change. The answer, in the context of the affect avoidance model, is to look at specific EDPs, as will be done in Part III.