About the Book
The introduction and the twenty-one chapters in this book reflect the ongoing development and refinement of Relational and Integrative Psychotherapy. Each chapter amalgamates ideas from several theoretical frame works: Client-Centred Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Contemporary Psychoanalysis, and Psychoanalytic Self-Psychology, as well as inter-subjective and co-creative perspectives.The theory of 'Life Script' serves as a unifying theme to elaborate the concepts of unconscious experience, attachment and relational patterns, the essentialness of contact-in-relationship, and the centrality of relational-needs in the practice of psychotherapy. This book begins with eight philosophical assumptions essential in the practice of a relational psychotherapy. Integrated throughout the chapters is a sensitivity to both normal developmental processes and the psychological compensations that occur when there has been prolonged neglect and psychological trauma. Several case presentations illustrate the use of phenomenological and historical inquiry, developmental and rhythmic attunement, and the importance of therapeutic presence.
Table of Contents:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR FOREWORD by Joshua ZavinPREFACE INTRODUCTION Philosophical principles of integrative psychotherapy CHAPTER ONE Integrative psychotherapy: theory, process, and relationship CHAPTER TWO A therapy of contact-in-relationship CHAPTER THREE Attunement and involvement: therapeutic responses to relational needs CHAPTER FOUR Psychotherapy of unconscious experience CHAPTER FIVE Life scripts and attachment patterns: theoretical integration and therapeutic involvement CHAPTER SIX Life scripts: unconscious relational patterns and psychotherapeutic involvement CHAPTER SEVEN The script system: an unconscious organization of experience CHAPTER EIGHT Psychological functions of life scripts CHAPTER NINE Integrating expressive methods in a relational-psychotherapy CHAPTER TEN Bonding in relationship: a solution to violence? CHAPTER ELEVEN A Gestalt therapy approach to shame and self-righteousness: theory and methods CHAPTER TWELVE The schizoid process CHAPTER THIRTEEN Early affect-confusion: the 'borderline' between despair and rage CHAPTER FOURTEEN Balancing on the 'borderline' of early affect-confusion CHAPTER FIFTEEN Relational healing of early affect-confusion CHAPTER SIXTEEN Introjection, psychic presence, and Parent ego states: considerations for psychotherapy CHAPTER SEVENTEEN Resolving intrapsychic conflict: psychotherapy of Parent ego states CHAPTER EIGHTEEN What do you say before you say goodbye? Psychotherapy of grief CHAPTER NINETEEN Nonverbal stories: the body in psychotherapy CHAPTER TWENTY Narcissism or the therapist's error? REFERENCES INDEX
About the Author :
Richard G. Erskine, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and licensed psychoanalyst. He is the Training Director of the Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy in New York City and conducts seminars, workshops and training programs in the United States and internationally. He is also a certified clinical transactional analyst and a licensed psychoanalyst who has specialized in psychoanalytic self-psychology and object-relations theory. Richard has developed Integrative Psychotherapy, a theory and set of methods that emphasizes affective, cognitive, behavioral and physiological integration. His books include 'Beyond Empathy: A Therapy of Contact-in-Relationship' (with Jan Moursund and Rebecca Trautmann), 'Integrative Psychotherapy: The Art and Science of Relationship' (with Jan Moursund), and 'Integrative Psychotherapy in Action'.
Review :
'This book is a delight. Indeed, it is the best book I have ever read on psychotherapy with individual patients: ideal for teaching trainees, and at the same time a refresher and an inspiration for the seasoned. It should become recognized as a classic. Developed over many years of practice and theoretical deliberations, Richard Erskine's approach is indeed integrative, developmentally attuned, intersubjective, and co-constructed.'- James R. Allen, MD, MPH, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rainbolt Family Chair in Child Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, USA; former President, International Transactional Analysis Association'Many of our colleagues and trainees have been requesting a book like this one. It is an excellent collection of psychotherapeutic essays that offers a thorough explanation of theoretical concepts, a deep understanding of clients' unconscious relational patterns and psychological needs, and an opportunity to learn how to create a profoundly respectful therapeutic relationship. Reading the essays in this book provided me with new insights, increased my empathy, and renewed my faith in our psychotherapy profession.'- Amaia Mauriz-Etxabe, clinical psychologist and Director, Bios Psychotherapy Institute, Bilbao, Spain'Richard Erskine's contribution to the theory and practice of psychotherapy has been enormous, and this volume brings together more than forty years of innovative thought. The book is a deep and coherent narrative which describes the theory and practice of the integrative approach developed by Erskine and his colleagues. In addition, there is a wealth theoretical discussion about transactional analysis, gestalt therapy, attachment theory, and self psychology, as well as aspects of psychoanalytic theory and neuroscience. The book is a treasure chest for integrative and transactional analysis psychotherapists alike.'- Professor Charlotte Sills, Metanoia Institute, UK, and Ashridge Business School, UK'Throughout this wonderful book, Richard Erskine fully demonstrates his skillful, innovative, and creative thinking. The focus of the book is relationally based integrative psychotherapy, exploring unconscious relational patterns (life scripts), relationships and attachment process, how healing occurs through the therapeutic relationship, and how the psychotherapist's job is to decode the unconscious story that has been revealed through the client's bodily reactions, relational crises, and intrapsychic conflicts. This stimulating and exciting work shows how each of these themes are applied within the clinical setting.'- Bob Cooke, TSTA, psychotherapist, supervisor, international trainer, and founder of the Manchester Institute of Psychotherapy, UK
