cyclical psychodynamics

why integrate

behavior, interpersonal relationships, unconscious motivation, and. conflict mutually determine each other

context of interpersonal relationships is imperative

not strictly intrapsychic

What's going on within you: “anything occurring within the mind or psyche, such as internal thoughts, conflicts, or emotions.”

which theories do we integrate

behavioral, cognitve, family systems, psychodynamic (insight especially)

integrative psychology

Conceptualizes unconscious wishes as schemas (conceptual frameworks) that evolve in a context of continuing interaction with other people
Our inner worlds and our outer worlds shape each other

If you gravitate toward healthy relationships, it's because you were exposed to healthy relationships as a child… vise versa

pathogenic relationships

unhealthy
be aware of the possible impact on the patient of pathogenic relationships with others that might be more powerful than the relationship with the therapist
They may be invested in “keeping things as they have been”

Experience disruptions when they try to change the relationship dynamics

the ironic conclusion

people recreate unhealthy childhood experiences despite their intentions to find new relationships because the early experiences limit their ability to make better choices

silvana background info

White, 50s, middle class, married (2nd marriage), business consultant (requires social skills)

silvana presenting complaint

Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, felt like she had “lost herself”

silvana beginning of therapy: exploratory

Talked about her marriage, her dreams. She would take notes during sessions so she could review them in between sessions (unusual)

silvana role of childhood experiences

Her mother was a nagging, critical figure in her life (a lot of her father), and lived in fear that criticism would turn to herself.

Her dad would appear sad, more of a benign presence, beaten down by her mom and life, felt sad for him. Would try to anything to help her dad feel better

“Thats how I became a perfectionist and people pleaser

silvana discovery and new conceptualization

Connection between being people pleaser and being secretly angry (everyone else's needs are being put higher than mine)

Shifting from thinking about childhood to understanding assertiveness

Assertiveness exercise trainings

Respond in more assertive ways

Graduated exposure/systematic desensitization

Lost some relationships due to being more assertive, because they didn't like her “new and better self”.

Termination