Samlin, Jason Marc. A qualitative study examining the integration of short-term dynamic therapy and the aversion/attachment model of client suffering. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3668G4N
DescriptionWhile there are a number of cognitive-behavioral treatments that incorporate Buddhist concepts such as mindfulness and acceptance, little research has been done examining the integration of Buddhist psychology and short-term dynamic psychotherapy. In order to attempt to fill this gap in research, the purpose of this study is to determine how concepts of Buddhist psychology and philosophy, adapted through the Aversion/Attachment Model of Client Suffering (A/AMCS), could be integrated into an existing form of modern relational short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP). Through the applied integration of these two treatment models in two cases, “Beth” and “Amy,” this study explores the theoretical and technical integration of TLDP and the A/AMCS. It is hypothesized that the type of integration that takes place between the A/AMCS and TLDP will be assimilative in nature, with TLDP acting as the “home theory” into which the A/AMCS is integrated. The A/AMCS was incorporated into case formulation through the expansion of TLDP’s case formulation method, and was integrated into treatment through the utilization of formal mindfulness meditation practices, implemented by conducting eight half-hour pre-session practices with each client during the course of treatment, as well as the incorporation of acceptance practices and skillful means into therapy sessions. Following the Pragmatic Case Study Method (Fishman, 1999), Beth and Amy’s cases are examined both quantitatively and qualitatively. This study concludes with a discussion of how future research could examine the integration of Buddhist psychology and short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy.