Emotional Restructuring: Relationship Therapy In Individual Psychotherapy

Negative emotional memories tied to past and current relationships have been recognized as strongly influencing ones psychological functioning

. These memories are contributory to a variety of emotional problems, including depression and anxiety. As opposed to simply talking about these in therapy sessions, there are specific ways of addressing these with the goal of neutralizing the memories.

The Clinical Biopsychological approach is based on the Dimensional Systems Model of brain functioning. The first professional paper was published on the model in 2006, with the first paper detailing its applications to the treatment of negative emotional memories in 2007. One component of that approach is called Emotional Restructuring.

There are 6 steps involved in this treatment. During the hour session, the first step is simply discussing past negative situations tied to the person being discussed. This is followed by an explanation as to why the person behaved in the manner he or she did, followed by a brief role reversal. Imagery procedures are used to first allow anger to be expressed, followed by self-nurturance. The next phase is an elaborated explanation of why the individual being discussed was incapable of different behaviors, followed by a final phase of stated emotional impact and forgiveness.

Although being done in an individual format, this is an effective from of relationship therapy. It allows a patient to not only better comprehend the behavior seen in influential relationships, it also allows resolution of many of the feelings. To the extent that the negative memories were influencing current emotional reactions, there can be a dramatic improvement.

The description of behavior patterns has been called Type-T (Taker) and Type-G (Giver) people. The information discussed in sessions is available in both books and CDs. These can prove to be a useful adjunct to any form of relationship therapy. Not only can the insights help to understand why people behave as they do, it allows logical manners in which to deal with them.

The suggested ways of dealing with individuals in relationships is based on an understanding of the basic rules that person follows in attempts to have positive feelings and avoid negative ones. By understanding these, patients involved in relationship therapy find it easier to accept the need to engage in behaviors they would not normally do. However, doing so can lead to much healthier relationships.

by: Richard Rice

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