Behavioral and psychoanalytic perspectives at therapeutic choice points.

A comparative analysis of the therapeutic focus in cognitive–behavioral and psychodynamic–interpersonal sessions.

“…In the most general sense, psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy underscored the importance of "insight," whereas cognitive-behavioral therapy emphasized the importance of "action" (Messer, 1986;Wachtel, 1987). The therapeutic focus within psychodYnamic-interpersonal sessions was on what has not worked in the past.…”

“…Inasmuch as our earlier studies resulted in findings that were both consistent and contrary to theoretical expectations, we did not generate any specific hypotheses as to which CSTF categories would differentiate the therapeutic orientations. However, given the manualized nature of the intervention, we anticipated that, in being theoretically consistent, psychodynamic-interpersonal interventions would focus more on exploration and understanding, whereas cognitive-behavioral interventions would place a greater emphasis on helping clients to cope with difficult life situations (Messer, 1986). The goal of this study was to uncover more specifically how these two orientations are different and similar in their more particular therapeutic foci.…”

Action Techniques in Psychoanalysis

“…Some of these devel opments are controversial and would surely be disputed by dis parate groups within the two disciplines. Messer (1986) has already noted some of these trends.…”

“…And several leading cognitive-be havior therapists (for example, Meichenbaum & Gilmore, 1984;Mahoney, 1980), more like psychoanalysts, have expanded their interest in affect, while acknowledging the importance of uncon scious processes, nonverbal fantasy, and the childhood past. More over, in cognitive-behavior therapy as in psychoanalysis, there is a growing recognition of the significance of the quality of the thera peutic relationship (Messer, 1986).…”

The Dimensions of Clinical Behavior Analysis

“…Consistent with Skinner's analysis (see Skinner, 1957, p. 444), R. Kohlenberg and Tsai (1991) propose that thoughts can be viewed as rules (such as tacts or mands) to oneselfthat initially occur due to variables that are similarly responsible for their overt forms, including their participation in equivalence classes (S. Hayes & Brownstein, 1986 Kohlenberg, in press). Along these lines, because CBA embraces a broad range of therapeutic methods ranging from the interpretation ofhidden meaning to emotional acceptance, it also offers a theoretical basis for the integration of psychotherapy in general, which is increasingly being called for by researchers in the field (e.g., Messer, 1986). Second, a consideration of the psychotherapy environment as a context for client behavior leads the behavior therapist into a more complete consideration of the therapist-client relationship.…”