Multitheoretical Psychotherapy:
A New Approach To Integrative Treatment
Jeff E. Brooks-Harris, Ph.D., ABPP
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
1
Making a Patchwork Quilt
Providing multitheoretical
psychotherapy is like making a
patchwork quilt. A counselor
chooses individual pieces of
cloth (strategies) from different
types of fabric (theories) and
assembles them in a unique
pattern.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
2
Are you multitheoretical?
How many theories do you feel
comfortable using to
conceptualize clients or guide
interventions?
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
3
Assimilative Integration
• Many integrative therapists choose a
foundational theory but use ideas and
strategies from other approaches as well.
• Assimilative Integration favors a firm
grounding in a single system of
psychotherapy and then incorporates
techniques from different theories within
the preferred orientation.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
4
Multitheoretical Psychotherapy
• Multitheoretical Psychotherapy (MTP) provides a
way to understand the relationship between
psychotherapy theories based on the way these
approaches focus on different dimensions.
• MTP describes a catalog of key strategies that
counselors can learn over time.
• MTP describes a method of integrative treatment
planning based on collaborative dialogue with
individual clients.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
5
Introduction to MTP
Four Lessons
1. Five Principles for Integrative
Psychotherapy
2. Working Interactively
3. Working Contextually
4. Integrative Treatment Planning
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
6
LESSON ONE
Five Principles for
Integrative Psychotherapy
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
7
Integrative psychotherapy should be…
• Intentional
• Multidimensional
• Multitheoretical
• Strategy-based
• Relational
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
8
PRINCIPLE ONE
Intentional Integration
•
•
•
Psychotherapy should be based on intentional
choices
Intentionality should guide a therapist’s choice
of focus, conceptualization, and intervention
strategies
Intentionality supports idiographic treatment,
allowing counselors to tailor therapy to the
individual needs of each client
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
9
Intentional integration represents a middle ground
between intuitive and technical integration
Intuitive
Intuitive Integration
Based on the
therapists’ clinical
wisdom and personal
perceptions
INTENTIONAL
Intentional Integration
Based on collaborative
dialogue with clients
and is informed by
clinical experience,
theory, and research
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
Technical
Technical Integration
Based on scientific
research or treatment
protocols written by
experts
10
PRINCIPLE TWO
Multidimensional Integration


Psychotherapy should recognize the rich interaction
between multiple dimensions within individuals’ lives
Integrative psychotherapy supports multidimensional
adaptation in the form of functional thoughts, effective
actions, and adaptive feelings that allow clients to
adjust to biological, interpersonal, systemic, and
cultural contexts
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
11
Multidimensional Model of Human Functioning
Cultural Contexts
Social Systems
Interpersonal Patterns
Biology
Thoughts
Feelings
Actions
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
12
PRINCIPLE THREE
Multitheoretical Integration
•
•
•
•
Integrative psychotherapists utilize diverse theories to
understand clients and guide interventions
Multitheoretical conceptualization allows therapists to view
theories as complementary vantage points to create a
comprehensive formulation
Multitheoretical practice involves combining strategies from
different theoretical traditions
Multitheoretical integration enacts a pluralistic philosophy,
emphasizing diversity rather than homogeneity and
multiplicity rather than unity
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
13
Multitheoretical Framework for Psychotherapy
Theoretical Approaches
Focal Dimensions
Cognitive
Behavioral
Experiential
Biopsychosocial
Thoughts
Actions
Feelings
Biology
Psychodynamic
Systemic
Multicultural
Interpersonal Patterns
Social Systems
Cultural Contexts
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
14
PRINCIPLE FOUR
Strategy-Based Integration
•
•
•
•
Integrative psychotherapists utilize a wide variety
of specific strategies drawn from different
theoretical traditions
Strategy-based integration enacts a pragmatic
philosophy, translating theory into action
Integration occurs when strategies from different
theories are combined in practice
Underlying theories do not need to be reconciled
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
15
Key Strategies
• Key strategies are skills or techniques that counselors
use with clients to work toward therapeutic goals
• Strategy markers indicate when a particular strategy may
be useful
• Expected consequences describe the likely outcome of
using a specific strategy
• Key strategies can be learned, practiced, and
implemented with clients
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
16
Cognitive Strategy 9.
Encouraging accurate perceptions of
realistic constraints
• Strategy Marker: When clients are focusing on
unrealistic hopes that interfere with effective problem
solving, it is appropriate to encourage accurate
perceptions & proactive choices
• Expected Consequence: If clients are encouraged to
recognize realistic constraints, the predicted outcome is
more accurate views, more effective responses, & more
adaptive choices
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
17
Experiential Strategy 3.
Encouraging awareness and expression of feelings
• Strategy Marker: When clients are unaware of their own
feelings, or ignore and suppress them, you should
encourage awareness and expression
• Expected Consequence: If awareness and expression
of feelings is encouraged, it is anticipated that clients will
gain insight from their emotions and consolidate their
personal experiences
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
18
PRINCIPLE FIVE
Relational Integration
•
•
Psychotherapy integration should be
implemented within the context of an effective
therapeutic relationship.
Different styles of relationships can be
developed with clients based on individual
needs and preferences.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
19
Relationship Styles Encouraged by
Different Theoretical Approaches
Theoretical Approaches
Relationship Styles
Cognitive
Behavioral
Experiential
Biopsychosocial
Psychodynamic
Systemic
Multicultural
Collaborative Empiricism
Social Reinforcement
Empathic Attunement
Health Promotion
Participant-Observation
Social Choreography
Cultural Consultation
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
20
LESSON TWO
Working Interactively with
Thoughts, Actions, & Feelings
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
21
Maladaptive thoughts, actions, and feelings
are highly interactive
Dysfunctional
Thoughts
Maladaptive
Feelings
Ineffective
Actions
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
22
Maladaptive Interactions
• Maladaptive Feelings like hopelessness
are often associated with…
• Dysfunctional Thoughts like “I’m a loser;
no one would want to date me,” and…
• Ineffective Actions like social isolation
and withdrawal.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
23
Adaptive Interactions
• Adaptive Feelings—like hope and a
desire to overcome loneliness—are more
likely to be associated with…
• Functional Thoughts like “Maybe I’ll
meet someone nice at the party,” and…
• Effective Actions associated with
overcoming fears and talking to new
people in a social setting.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
24
Working Interactively
• A counselor can work interactively with
thoughts, actions, and feelings to promote
multidimensional adaptation and change.
• Different points of clinical leverage can be
used with different clients or in response to
different situations with the same client.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
25
Cognitive Strategies
• Cognitive psychotherapy focuses on thoughts
and uses these cognitions as a point of clinical
leverage to encourage multidimensional change.
• Cognitive strategies encourage functional
thoughts that are rational, evidence-based, and
promote effective adaptation to the environment.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
26
Cognitive interventions are designed to have a
primary impact on thoughts and a secondary
impact on actions and feelings
Cognitive
Strategies
Functional
Thoughts
Adaptive
Feelings
Effective
Actions
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
27
Reflecting on Practice
What kinds of cognitive strategies
do you use with clients to
encourage functional thoughts?
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
28
Catalog of Key Strategies
COG-1. Identifying Thoughts
COG-2. Clarifying the Impact of Thoughts
COG-3. Challenging Irrational Thoughts
COG-4. Illuminating Core Beliefs
COG-5. Evaluating Evidence
COG-6. Testing Hypotheses
COG-7. Modifying Beliefs
COG-8. Reinforcing Adaptive Cognitions
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
29
Catalog of Key Strategies
COG-9. Encouraging Accurate Perceptions
COG-10. Supporting Dialectical Thinking
COG-11. Fostering Mindful Awareness
COG-12. Working with Imagery
COG-13. Brainstorming Solutions
COG-14. Providing Psychoeducation
COG-15. Supporting Bibliotherapy
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
30
Behavioral Strategies
• Behavioral psychotherapy focuses on actions
and uses these behaviors as a point of clinical
leverage to encourage multidimensional change.
• Behavioral strategies support effective actions or
reduce maladaptive conditioned responses.
• Effective actions help people meet their needs,
attain their goals, or avoid undesirable
consequences.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
31
Behavioral interventions are designed to have a
primary impact on actions and a secondary impact
on thoughts and feelings.
Behavioral
Strategies
Effective
Actions
Functional
Thoughts
Adaptive
Feelings
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
32
Reflecting on Practice
What kinds of behavioral strategies
do you use with clients to support
effective actions?
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
33
Catalog of Key Strategies
BHV-1. Clarifying Impact of Actions
BHV-2. Reinforcement & Conditioning
BHV-3. Identifying Target Actions
BHV-4. Determining Baselines
BHV-5. Encouraging Active Choices
BHV-6. Assessing Stages of Change
BHV-7. Schedules of Reinforcement
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
34
Catalog of Key Strategies
BHV-8. Assigning Homework
BHV-9. Constructing a Hierarchy
BHV-10. Exposing Clients to Images or Experiences
BHV-11. Fostering Acceptance
BHV-12. Encouraging Commitments
BHV-13. Providing Training & Rehearsal
BHV-14. Coaching & Shaping
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
35
Experiential Strategies
• Experiential psychotherapy focuses on feelings
and uses these emotions as a point of clinical
leverage to encourage multidimensional change.
• Experiential-Humanistic strategies encourage
adaptive feelings, explore personal experiences,
and promote awareness and growth.
• Adaptive feelings help people evaluate
situations, organize for effective action, and
match situations in a proportional manner.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
36
Experiential interventions are designed to have a
primary impact on feelings and a secondary
impact on thoughts and actions.
Experiential
Strategies
Adaptive
Feelings
Functional
Thoughts
Effective
Actions
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
37
Reflecting on Practice
What kinds of experiential
strategies do you use with clients
to explore adaptive feelings?
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
38
Catalog of Key Strategies
EXP-1. Identifying Feelings
EXP-2. Clarifying the Impact of Feelings
EXP-3. Encouraging Expression of Feelings
EXP-4. Fostering Self-Actualization
EXP-5. Empathy & Positive Regard
EXP-6. Supporting Authenticity
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
39
Catalog of Key Strategies
EXP-7. Integrating Parts of Self
EXP-8. Focusing Attention
EXP-9. Fostering Here-and-Now Awareness
EXP-10. Creating Experiments
EXP-11. Accepting Freedom & Responsibility
EXP-12. Recognizing Existential Limitations
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
40
Reflecting on Concurrent Dimensions
• Do you focus more on clients’ thoughts,
actions, or feelings?
• Which of these dimensions do you focus
on the least?
• Would you like to learn more about any of
these strategies?
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
41
LESSON THREE
Exploring Biological,
Interpersonal, Systemic, and
Cultural Contexts
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
42
Where do maladaptive thoughts, actions,
and feelings come from?
Dysfunctional thoughts, ineffective actions,
and maladaptive feelings are shaped by…
• Biology
• Interpersonal Patterns
• Social Systems
• Cultural Contexts
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
43
Working Contextually
An integrative psychotherapist
explores and works within biological,
interpersonal, systemic, and cultural
contexts to promote adaptation to
these environments
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
44
Biopsychosocial Psychotherapy
• Biopsychosocial Psychotherapy focuses on
biology, connecting body and brain.
• Biological approaches include health
psychology, psychiatry, and body therapies.
• Biopsychosocial strategies encourage adaptive
health practices that result in biological health,
holistic wellness, and mind-body awareness.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
45
Reflecting on Practice
What do you do with clients to
promote biological health, holistic
wellness, or mind-body
awareness?
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
46
Catalog of Key Strategies
BIO-1. Exploring the Effect of Biology on Psychological
Functioning
BIO-2. Recognizing the Influence of Psychological
Functioning on Health
BIO-3. Considering the Interaction between Health and
Relationships
BIO-4. Understanding Health within a Sociocultural Context
BIO-5. Encouraging Physical Wellness
BIO-6. Reducing Substance Use
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
47
Catalog of Key Strategies
BIO-7. Teaching Relaxation
BIO-8. Fostering Physiological Awareness
BIO-9. Working Interactively with Body and Brain
BIO-10. Facilitating Acceptance of Illness
BIO-11. Encouraging an Active Role in Health Care
BIO-12. Considering Psychotropic Medication
BIO-13. Considering Alternative Interventions
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
48
Psychodynamic-Interpersonal
Strategies
• Psychodynamic-Interpersonal Psychotherapy focuses on
interpersonal patterns and perceptions as well as
unconscious processes.
• Psychodynamic strategies support adaptive
interpersonal perceptions that are accurate and not
distorted by past relationships and painful experiences.
• Interpersonal psychotherapy strategies encourage
adaptive interpersonal skills that support relationships,
help resolve conflicts, and facilitate role transitions.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
49
Reflecting on Practice
What do you do with clients to
explore interpersonal patterns,
encourage clear perceptions, and
promote effective relationships?
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
50
Catalog of Key Strategies
PSY-1. Listening to Narratives
PSY-2 . Encouraging Free Association
PSY-3. Identifying Relationship Themes
PSY-4 . Making Interpersonal Interpretations
PSY-5. Honoring Resistance
PSY-6. Exploring Childhood Experiences
PSY-7 . Working Through Past Conflicts
PSY-8 . Identifying Attachment Styles
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
51
Catalog of Key Strategies
PSY-9 . Observing the Therapeutic Relationship
PSY-10. Attending to Subjective Responses
PSY-11. Resolving Conflicts in the Therapeutic Relationship
PSY-12. Modifying Relational Interactions
PSY-13. Interpreting Dreams
PSY-14. Adapting to Interpersonal Losses or Disputes
PSY-15. Encouraging New Relationships
PSY-16. Learning from Termination
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
52
Systemic-Constructivist Strategies
• Systemic-Constructivist Psychotherapy focuses on
family systems, social groups, and personal narratives.
• Systemic strategies encourage adaptive social
practices that allow individual growth and individuation
without threatening the stability of the family system.
• Constructivist strategies encourage adaptive personal
narratives that construct meaning in a way that matches
a person’s experience and supports positive action.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
53
Reflecting on Practice
What do you do to explore
clients’ family and social
systems and help them
construct meaning in an
adaptive manner?
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
54
Catalog of Key Strategies
SYS-1. Understanding Problems w/in Social Context
SYS-2. Viewing Families as Systems
SYS-3. Detecting Repetitive Interaction Patterns
SYS-4. Describing the Structure of the Family
SYS-5. Identifying Family Roles
SYS-6. Searching for Multigenerational Patterns
SYS-7. Clarifying Family Belief Systems
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
55
Catalog of Key Strategies
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
SYS-8. Giving Directives for Strategic Change
SYS-9. Exploring Social Construction of Meaning
SYS-10. Externalizing Problems
SYS-11. Encouraging Adaptive Narratives
SYS-12. Utilizing Clients’ Resources
SYS-13. Constructing Solutions
SYS-14. Orienting Toward the Future
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
56
Multicultural-Feminist Strategies
• Multicultural-Feminist Psychotherapy focuses on
culture, identity, gender, and power.
• Multicultural strategies encourage adaptive
cultural practices and values.
• Adaptive cultural practices allow people to adjust
to cultural contexts without violating values.
• Adaptive cultural values allow individuals to
appreciate their own group as well as respecting
others.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
57
Reflecting on Practice
What do you do to understand
cultural identity and values or
support cultural adaptation?
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
58
Catalog of Key Strategies
MCUL-1. Viewing Clients Culturally
MCUL-2. Clarifying the Impact of Culture
MCUL-3. Creating Culturally-Appropriate
Relationships
MCUL-4. Celebrating Diversity
MCUL-5. Illuminating Similarities & Differences
MCUL-6. Recognizing the Impact of Identity
MCUL-7. Facilitating Identity Development
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
59
Catalog of Key Strategies
MCUL-8. Appreciating Multiple Identities
MCUL-9. Highlighting Oppression & Privilege
MCUL-10. Exploring Societal Expectations
MCUL-11. Supporting Social Action
MCUL-12. Integrating Spiritual Awareness
MCUL-13. Becoming Aware of Therapist’s
Worldview
MCUL-14. Reducing Cultural Biases
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
60
Reflecting on Contextual Dimensions
• Which contextual dimensions do you focus
on the most with clients: Biology,
Interpersonal, Systems, or Culture?
• Which context do you focus on least?
• Would you like to learn more about any of
these strategies?
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
61
LESSON FOUR
Integrative Treatment Planning
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
62
Customizing Treatment
• “The therapist must strive to create a new
therapy for each patient.” (Yalom, 2002, p. 34)
• Integrative treatment planning provides a
practical method for customizing
psychotherapy to the needs of an individual
client.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
63
Where to Focus?
• It is not practical or helpful to focus on several
dimensions at once
• You may want to start by focusing on two or three
salient dimensions closely related to the problem
• It may be helpful to look at the interaction between a
concurrent (TAF) and a contextual (BISC) dimension
• Treatment planning can be used to select a focus that
will guide conceptualization and interventions
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
64
Integrative Treatment Planning
1. Conducting a Multidimensional Survey
2. Establishing an Interactive Focus on
2 or 3 Dimensions
3. Formulating a Multitheoretical
Conceptualization
4. Choosing Interventions from a Catalog of
Key Strategies
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
65
Case Example: MTP for Depression
• Claire is a Japanese-American female in her 50’s
• Experiencing symptoms of depression since the
death of her mother just over a year ago
• Oldest of three daughters and never married
• Claire lived with her mother and was the primary
caretaker while her mother was dying
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
66
1. Conducting a Multidimensional Survey
•
•
After clients have had a chance to describe
their concerns, you can explore concurrent
dimensions: (1) thoughts, (2) actions, &
(3) feelings.
As well as contextual dimensions:
(4) biology, (5) interpersonal patterns,
(6) social systems, & (7) cultural contexts.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
67
Claire’s Multidimensional Survey:
Concurrent Dimensions
Thoughts: “I can’t go on without my mother.”
Actions: Social isolation from family and friends.
Feelings: Despair, hopelessness, and emptiness.
When asked about feelings of sadness, Claire
reported a numb sense of distance from any
sadness
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
68
Claire’s Multidimensional Survey:
Contextual Dimensions
Biology: Decreased appetite and troubled sleeping.
Interpersonal: Claire had tried to be her mother’s
favorite since childhood.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
69
Claire’s Multidimensional Survey:
Contextual Dimensions
Social: As a child, Claire competed with her sisters
for her mother’s attention. Her father was a good
provider but was emotionally distant. Her father
died ten years ago. Her sisters are both married
with children of their own.
Cultural: As the eldest daughter in a JapaneseAmerican family, Claire felt an obligation to take
care of her parents.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
70
2. Establishing an Interactive Focus
• After surveying all seven dimensions, choose
two or three which will serve as the initial focus
for psychotherapy
• The choice of focal dimensions should be based
on collaborative dialogue
• Ask the client to begin to monitor the interaction
between two focal dimensions
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
71
Claire’s Interactive Focus
• After exploring all seven dimensions, Dr. P. and
Claire decided to focus on the interaction between
feelings and interpersonal patterns.
• Feelings – Hopelessness and despair.
• Interpersonal Patterns – Claire’s close relationship
with her mother may have kept her from
developing other sources of social support.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
72
3. Formulating a
Multitheoretical Conceptualization
• For each focal dimension, use a model of
conceptualization from a corresponding theory:
(e.g., feelings  experiential model,
interpersonal  psychodynamic, etc.)
• Formulate initial conceptual hypotheses.
• Expand your conceptualization with more
information.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
73
Experiential Conceptualization
for Claire
Emotion Focused Therapy
• Claire’s feelings of hopelessness (“I can’t go on”)
may be interfering with a healthy grieving process
• Adaptive Primary Emotion: Sadness
• Secondary Emotion: Hopelessness
• Recommendation: Help Claire explore and
express her sadness in adaptive ways
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
74
Psychodynamic Conceptualization
for Claire
Core Conflictual Relationship Theme:
• Wish: Claire wanted to be her mother’s favorite.
• Response of Other: Claire’s mother maintained a
close bond through strict control.
• Response of Self: Claire was dedicated to making
her mother happy and gave up her own goals.
Claire cherished the close bond but, later, resented
her mother’s control over her life.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
75
4. Choosing Interventions from a
Catalog of Key Strategies
• Emphasize the use of intervention strategies
from theories that address focal dimensions:
(e.g., feelings  experiential strategies
interpersonal  psychodynamic, etc.)
• Interventions from seven theoretical traditions
are described in the Catalog of Key Strategies.
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
76
Key Strategies used with Claire
Experiential-Humanistic Strategies
EXP-2. Clarifying the Impact of Feelings
EXP-3. Encouraging Expression of Feelings
EXP-6. Supporting Authenticity
Psychodynamic-Interpersonal Strategies
PSY-3. Identifying Relationship Themes
PSY-4. Exploring Childhood Experiences
PSY-14. Adapting to Interpersonal Losses
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
77
Demonstration of
Integrative Treatment Planning
1. Conducting a Multidimensional Survey
2. Establishing an Interactive Focus on 2 or 3
Dimensions
3. Formulating a Multitheoretical
Conceptualization
4. Choosing Interventions from a Catalog of Key
Strategies
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
78
Discussion / Action Plan
• Based on what you learned today, are there
ideas you would like to apply to your work?
• What can you do to start thinking and working
with clients in a more multitheoretical manner?
• If you provide training or supervision, are there
ideas or concepts from MTP you would like to
use in training?
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
79
Integrative Multitheoretical Psychotherapy
Jeff E. Brooks-Harris (2008)
Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
80
Training Videos
Available from Microtraining Associates:
Cognitive
Behavioral
Experiential
Psychodynamic
Multicultural
www.emicrotraining.com
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
81
Contact Information
Jeff E. Brooks-Harris, Ph.D.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
jharris@hawaii.edu
(808) 956-7927
website:
www.multitheoretical.com
Copyright 2007 Jeff Brooks-Harris
www.multitheoretical.com
82