Principles of Cognitive Psychodynamic Therapy

Abstract

This chapter follows on from the preceding theoretical chapters, to derive principles which can guide a cognitive psychodynamic approach to therapy. First, a set of key propositions about the nature of human experience, distilled from the previous chapters, are put forward. These then lead onto a further set of principles which can guide therapy. The chapter then goes on to consider the process of therapy. A section outlines cognitive psychodynamic perspectives on the therapeutic relationship. The process is then considered in terms of assessment, therapeutic working and endings. An illustrative case is detailed throughout. Cognitive psychodynamic principles for working with common client issues will then be considered in further chapters.