What Is Interpersonal Process Theory?
Interpersonal Process Theory is a relational approach to psychotherapy that centers on the relationship, or working alliance, between the client and the therapist (Teyber, 2000). This theory stems from the premise that problems are interpersonal in nature and central to the theory is the belief that the working alliance is the primary vehicle for change in the client. Such change occurs by way of a corrective emotional experience (CEE), which is made possible by an effective working alliance that provides the necessary environment for the client. The therapist-client alliance is an important predictor in therapy outcomes, regardless of other factors, such as the treatment approach (in Alliance-focused training). This is an entity that varies
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The skill of mindfulness may specifically be used to target these interventions by increasing the frequency with which they occur and the quality of those made. A couple features of mindfulness stand out as possibly influencing the ability to intervene using process comments- the attitudes of non-attachment and non-striving and the overall focus on the here and now. Process interventions take place in the present moment as it unfolds organically. They have been described as distinct from solution-focused or problem-focused techniques because they apply to the process rather than the content or the goal of therapy. This process orientation requires presence in the here and now and full awareness of moment-to-moment events. Therefore, fostering the absence of an ultimate end will likely reduce the tendency to jump to a solution, which would be part of the future. A non-judgment attitude would likely help minimize identification and focus on problems because it discourages making evaluative judgments that problem identification requires in the first place. Ultimately, mindfulness has the potential to improve interpersonal process therapy by enhancing the process interventions that are seen as crucial for the success of such a relational therapy. Hopefully, the more time therapists spend in the present moment- achieved through engaging in mindfulness practices, likely as part of an MBSR course- the better they will become at staying in the here-and-now and bringing attention to the processes unfolding with their
The skill of mindfulness may specifically be used to target these interventions by increasing the frequency with which they occur and the quality of those made. A couple features of mindfulness stand out as possibly influencing the ability to intervene using process comments- the attitudes of non-attachment and non-striving and the overall focus on the here and now. Process interventions take place in the present moment as it unfolds organically. They have been described as distinct from solution-focused or problem-focused techniques because they apply to the process rather than the content or the goal of therapy. This process orientation requires presence in the here and now and full awareness of moment-to-moment events. Therefore, fostering the absence of an ultimate end will likely reduce the tendency to jump to a solution, which would be part of the future. A non-judgment attitude would likely help minimize identification and focus on problems because it discourages making evaluative judgments that problem identification requires in the first place. Ultimately, mindfulness has the potential to improve interpersonal process therapy by enhancing the process interventions that are seen as crucial for the success of such a relational therapy. Hopefully, the more time therapists spend in the present moment- achieved through engaging in mindfulness practices, likely as part of an MBSR course- the better they will become at staying in the here-and-now and bringing attention to the processes unfolding with their