Psychotherapy integration: An assimilative, psychodynamic approach.

Abstract

Psychotherapy integration is an approach to treatment that goes beyond any single theory or set of techniques. The history of the psychotherapy integration movement is described, along with several approaches to integration that have been developed. We #en desclibe our assimilative approach, based on a psychodynamic model but incorporating technlques from various active approaches to treatment. A case history is provided illustrating the model that we describe. Key wods: psychotherapy integration, assimilative inte(p.tion. Lain Psycho/ Sci Prrc 3:47-58, 19961 Psychotherapists always have been interested in, and have attempted to use, new developments in the natural and social sciences, philosophy, theology, the arts, and literature. However, for the most part, we have rehsed to learn psychotherapy from each other if our ideologies and allegiances are different. This isolationism has been contradicted by a small, but growing, group of scholars and clinicians who have been able to cross sectarian lines. These integrationists have aimed at establishing a useful dialogue among members of the various sectarian schools of psychotherapy. Their goal has been the development of the most effective forms of psychotherapy possible. The integration of therapies involves the synthesis of the “best and brightest” concepts and methods into new theories and practical systems of treatment. Given the rise of publications, journals, and professional societies concerned with psychotherapy integration, it seems that, as