A presentation of the influence upon therapy, particularly Strategic Therapy of Zen Buddhism. Similarities between therapeutic change and spiritual enlightenment are discussed in terms of the relationship between Master and trainee and therapist and client. The use of directives, of riddles, of absurd tasks, and the types of single interventions and paradoxical procedures are discussed. Examples of cases and Zen stories are compared. Zen, systems theory, and Erickson's strategic therapy are brought together.
The theoretical concepts of family therapy have evolved since their beginnings in the 1950s. If we look at the political landscape of the '50s, '60s, '70s, and '80s, we see that family therapy parallels the political ethos of the time.
The infrastructure of the family as an organism can be altered. A symbolic experience is a difference that makes a difference. This lecture describes how to precipitate a symbolic experience.
The field of psychotherapy is moving toward an integrative approach, both in terms of theory and practice. Meichenbaum will discuss how Cognitive-Behavior Modification attempts to integrate, on the one hand, the clinical concerns of psychodynamic and interpersonal/systems approaches with the technology of behavior therapy on the other hand. He will trace the history of Cognitive-Behavior Modification and examine its future directions. Common clinical treatment issues, such as client resistance, patient noncompliance, and treatment nonadherence that all psychotherapists face will also be considered.
Ten myths, some contradictory, some interconnected, are outlined, followed by a fairly detailed exposition and rebuttal. The treatment of a young man with panic disorder is discussed as an exemplar of the need to apply data-based treatments of choice within the context of clinical artistry. Technical eclecticism is defined and is offered as a possible solution to many common misconceptions.