Showing papers by "Leslie S. Greenberg published in 2013"

Research on Humanistic- Experiential Psychotherapies

Abstract: In this chapter we focus on research published since our previous reviews (Greenberg, Elliott & Lietaer, 1994; Elliott, Greenberg & Lietaer, 2004), which covered research published between 1978 and 2001, plus additional earlier research on humanistic-experiential psychotherapy (HEP) outcome that we have been able to track down. A key element of the chapter is a meta-analysis of nearly 200 HEP outcome studies (through 2008) and a survey of the use of the approach with different client groups. In addition, we offer a meta-synthesis of qualitative research on these therapies (cf. Timulak, 2007), and provide a narrative review of recent quantitative research on change processes in HEPs. We conclude by reviewing and integrating the literature reviewed and discuss policy implications.

Working with Identity and Self-soothing in Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples.

Abstract: This paper will outline new developments in Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C) (Greenberg & Goldman, Emotion-focused couples therapy: The dynamics of emotion, love, and power, Washington, DC, American Psychological Association, 2008). People are seen as primarily motivated by their affective goals and the regulation of emotional states. The three motivational systems of attachment, identity, and attraction/liking, viewed as reflective of the core concerns people bring to therapy, are briefly outlined and elaborated. The five-stage model of EFT-C is briefly described. The paper will then provide two illustrations, one that demonstrates how EFT-C therapists work with core issues related to identity, and the other that shows how therapy can promote self-soothing. In the first example, annotated transcripts taken from therapy sessions illustrate how an EFT therapist addresses issues of identity in a highly distressed couple. The second example demonstrates how to facilitate work with individuals within the couples' context to engender and develop capacities for self-soothing, seen as fundamental for the promotion of healthy emotion regulation and couples' overall health.

Client emotional productivity—optimal client in-session emotional processing in experiential therapy

Abstract: Objective: The goal of this investigation was to examine the predictive validity of Client Emotional Productivity (CEP), an operationalization of optimal client in-session emotional processing, possessing seven features: Attending, symbolization, congruence, acceptance, regulation, agency and differentiation. Method: CEP was related to improvement in depressive and general symptoms, in 74 clients (66% female, 34% male) who received experiential therapy of depression and this was compared to the relationship between client high expressed emotional (CHEEA) arousal and the working alliance (WAI) and outcome. Results: Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that working phase CEP predicted significant reduction of depressive and general symptoms over and above that predicted by beginning phase CEP, the working alliance and working phase CHEEA. Working phase CEP emerged as the sole, independent predictor of outcome for both depressive and general symptoms. Conclusion: Productive emotional processing,...

Revealing underlying vulnerable emotion in couple therapy: impact on session and final outcome

Abstract: This study examined how the revealing of underlying vulnerable emotion relates to session and final outcome in the context of emotion-focused therapy for couples. Segments of videotaped therapy sessions were rated on a measure of underlying vulnerable emotional expression for twenty-five couples. Results indicated that partners rated sessions in which underlying vulnerable emotion was expressed significantly more positively than control sessions on a measure of session outcome. Moreover, from pre to post, couples who were found to have expressed underlying vulnerable emotion at least once improved significantly more on a measure of trust, and marginally significantly more on a measure of unfinished business, than couples who were not found to have expressed underlying vulnerable emotion. Recommendations for treatment are provided in light of the findings. Practitioner points It is recommended that couple therapists help partners to access and express underlying vulnerable emotion, because this appears to be associated with better session and final outcomes. When an underlying vulnerable emotion begins to emerge, it is recommended that the therapist maintain the focus on this emotion and help to facilitate its full expression.

Exploring Three Approaches to Psychotherapy

Abstract: Preface How to Use This Book Introduction Emotion-Focused Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Cognitive Therapy Appendix A Appendix B Index About the Authors

Humanistic-experiential approach

Abstract: The most central characteristics of humanistic approaches to psychotherapy are defined and sub-approaches within the humanistic approach are identified. The main characteristics of the family of humanistic experiential approaches are their focus on promoting an empathically attuned relationship, in-therapy experiencing, a commitment to a phenomenological approach, a belief in the uniquely human capacity for reflective consciousness, a positive view of human functioning, and the operation of some form of growth tendency. These approaches adopt a consistently person-centered view that involves concern and real respect for each person. In this chapter the major source approaches within this orientation, Person-Centered, Gestalt, and Existential, are discussed. The emergence of contemporary experiential therapy, based on neo-humanistic reformulations of the above classic humanistic values, is presented. The traditional humanistic assumptions have been expanded to incorporate modern views on emotion, dynamic systems, constructivism, and the importance of a process view of functioning to help clarify the humanistic views of growth and self-determination. Neo-humanistic-experiential therapy is based on the importance of the relationship as a stubborn attempt by two human beings to meet each other in a genuine manner and as involving the intention to promote the deepening of the client's experience. This is seen as leading to integrative self-reorganization. Research results on the effectiveness of experiential therapy and the processes of change are reviewed. Keywords: relationship; empathy; experiencing; emotion; process; outcome