The Affect Avoidance Model

Abstract

The affect avoidance model, introduced in this chapter, provides an overall framework for understanding how mental pathology treatable in psychotherapy can be explained as natural avoidance of dreaded emotions. Complex problems can be simplified by dividing them into units consisting of entrenched dysfunctional patterns, EDPs, each one designed to avoid a dreaded affect. Starting with an original troublesome emotion, each layer or module covers up feelings from the layer below. Treatment usually starts with the most accessible EDP, either by the emotional route, detoxifying the painful affect, or by the behavioral route, replacing dysfunctional avoidance patterns. For each module, treatment can begin with either route and can make use of techniques chosen pragmatically from a wide variety of contemporary therapies. Success with either approach often opens the way for work from the other route, creating a circular pathway to resolution of problems.