INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY
The Integrative Psychotherapy we teach aims to bring about effective change in the client's behavior, thinking, experience and relationships. Knowledge of change processes and a meta-theoretical framework are the most important means of achieving comprehensive self-awareness. The goal is individual psychotherapy adapted to the needs of the client.
SKÁLA INSTITUTE
KEY ASPECTS
OF INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY
INDIVIDUALISED (PERSONALISED) TREATMENT
In integrative psychotherapy, a single theoretical approach is not strictly adhered to. Instead, treatment is tailored to the client's specific needs, personality and preferences. This individualized approach (treatment) relies on the fact that there is no single therapeutic approach that works for everyone.
A FOCUS ON THE THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP
As with many therapeutic approaches, the therapist-client relationship is fundamental to integrative psychotherapy. The relationship of trust and support with the client is the basis for the therapeutic process.
A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE
Integrative psychotherapy considers the interconnectedness of the various aspects of a person's life, their thoughts, emotions, behavior, relationships and body awareness. This perspective aims to treat the whole person rather than focusing on isolated symptoms.
PROBLEM SOLVING ORIENTATION
Integrative psychotherapy is problem-solving oriented. Therapists work with clients to identify their goals, challenges and strengths, and then choose the most appropriate techniques to promote growth and change.
FLEXIBILITY
Integrative psychotherapists are flexible in adapting their approach based on client development, feedback and changing circumstances. This skill can be particularly beneficial when working with complex or challenging cases.
ECLECTIC APPROACH
Integrative psychotherapy draws on many therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, humanistic and experiential therapies. This allows therapists to choose techniques and strategies that best suit the client's particular situation and defense mechanisms. Particularly in psychotherapy for various types of addiction and in trauma psychotherapy, the so-called pure approach is usually not effective.
INTEGRATION OF TECHNIQUES
Integrative therapists may consciously choose to combine techniques from different therapeutic approaches within a unifying theory of change.
WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Integrative psychotherapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that combines techniques and insights from a variety of therapeutic modalities. It is a holistic approach that seeks to tailor therapy to the individual needs of the client. Integrative psychotherapy aims to provide a comprehensive and flexible framework for dealing with a wide range of psychological and emotional problems.
OBJECTIONS TO INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY
Like any therapeutic approach, integrative psychotherapy has its supporters and opponents. Some reservations and objections to integrative psychotherapy are:
Lack of theoretical coherence: A common objection is that in attempting to integrate different theoretical perspectives, integrative psychotherapy may lack a clear and consistent theoretical basis.
At the Skala Institute we build on the psychodynamic approach, transactional analysis and change processes within a metatheoretical framework that provides a coherent approach.
Therapist competence: The integration of different therapeutic approaches requires a deep understanding of each approach and the ability to apply them appropriately, which can lead to ineffective or superficial interventions if the therapist lacks erudition.
At the Skala Institute we have a strong commitment to the study and validation of acquired knowledge.
Psychotherapy as an excessive use of different psychotherapeutic techniques without a comprehensive understanding of the client's needs. The term 'integrative' can sometimes be used as a cover for therapists who practice eclectic therapy without a clear integrative strategy.
We consistently teach effective timing of therapeutic interventions in training and supervision.
Complexity: The process of integrating different theoretical perspectives and techniques can be complex and time consuming. It may not be suitable for all clients, especially those who want simpler or more focused interventions.
We also recognize that integrative psychotherapy is not for everyone. We agree that the integration process is more demanding of trainees. In practice, however, it makes it easier to navigate through the therapeutic process.
Distrust of the expertise of those with a training background, based on the conviction that integration in psychotherapy means mastering several therapeutic approaches at the same time.
Comprehensive self-awareness training in integrative psychotherapy requires discipline and self-organization on the part of the trainee. We do not train specialists in multiple approaches, but in a meta-theoretical approach. The flexibility of the approach can be particularly beneficial for clients with diverse needs and preferences. As with any therapeutic approach, the effectiveness of Integrative Psychotherapy depends largely on the skills and training of the therapist, the fit between the approach and the client's needs, and the overall therapeutic relationship. Evidence shows that most psychotherapists add specialist methods and training to their core approach as they progress in practice.
