The 4 great integrative models in psychological therapy

Many people have tried to create a Psychology that goes beyond its different "schools".

Although psychologists, including clinicians, have traditionally ascribed to particular theoretical models (such as behavioral, psychodynamic, phenomenological or humanistic), there is a growing trend towards the integration of different approaches. However, such movements date back to at least the middle of the 20th century.

In this article we will describe the characteristics of the main integrative models in psychological therapyas well as the types of integration that exist. Among the developments we will talk about we can highlight the interpersonal therapy of Klerman and Weissman or the transtheoretical model of change of Prochaska and Diclemente.

Integrative models in psychotherapy

In 1950 John Dollard and Neal Miller, two researchers at Yale University, published "Personality and Psychotherapy: An Analysis in Terms of Learning, Thought and Culture". In it, they reformulated key concepts of psychoanalysis in behaviorist terms.This was one of the first milestones in the history of integration in psychotherapy.

At this time there were multiple psychological models in vogue; psychoanalysis and learning theory were the most influential, but other orientations also had weight and some new ones, such as cognitivism, were beginning to flourish. This context favored a mixture of very varied proposals, sometimes in opposition to each other.

Another relevant aspect in the development of the integrative models was the research into the Another relevant aspect in the development of integrative models was the research on the efficacy of psychotherapy and its components and approaches. and its components and approaches. The results suggested that different forms of intervention could be useful on a case-by-case basis, and that much of the success of psychotherapy could be attributed to common factors.

During the following decades the integrative movement continued to develop along very different paths. In this sense we must distinguish three main types of integration in psychotherapy, which reveal different approaches towards a common goal: the increase of the explanatory capacity of the models and the effectiveness of the treatments.

What types of integration are there?

There are three main types of types of psychotherapeutic integration: the theoretical, the technical and the common factors approach, which focuses on the underlying aspects of psychotherapy.which focuses on the aspects underlying the effectiveness of the therapy regardless of its orientation. This division is very general and does not represent the complexity of the integrative movement, but it gives an idea of its basic tendencies.

Theoretical integration

Theoretical integration consists of combining the approaches of different psychological orientations. In some cases equal weight is given to complementary approaches, such as behaviorism and cognitivism, while in others one theory is used as a basis and concepts from other theories are introduced into it; constructivism is particularly useful in this regard.

2. Technical eclecticism

Integration of a technical type is commonly known as "technical eclecticism". This approach focuses on increasing the effectiveness of psychotherapy by combining the most useful contributions of different orientations for specific problems. for specific problems. Thus, it is easier to apply than theoretical integration, although it runs the risk of lacking systematicity.

3. Common factors approach

This approach to integration is probably the oldest of the three; its origin dates back to the decades between 1930 and 1960, when the contributions of Rosenzweig, Alexander and French or Carl Rogers appeared. It is now known that 30% of the effectiveness of the therapies is due to common factors and only 15% to the and only 15% to the techniques chosen.

Integrative psychological therapies and theories

Although there are many psychotherapeutic approaches that can be encompassed within the integrative paradigm, we will focus on only a few of the most significant examples. Other relevant models include Wachtel's cyclical dynamic psychotherapy, the theoretical integrationism of Neimeyer and Feixas or the proposal of Mardi Horowitz.

1. Rogers' person-centered therapy

Carl Rogers, a pioneer of humanistic psychotherapy, developed his person-centered model from his research on the therapeutic process. From this he concluded that efficacy depends mainly on the therapist's authentic attitude, as well as his unconditional acceptance of the client.He concluded that effectiveness depends mainly on the therapist's authentic attitude, as well as his unconditional acceptance of the client and his ability to empathize with the client.

2. Interpersonal therapy of Klerman and Weissman

Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman developed their interpersonal therapy in the 1970s as a method of treatment for major depression; today it is also applied in cases of bulimia or in family therapy. This type of intervention is based on psychodynamic theory and cognitive-behavioral therapy and includes techniques from different models. and includes techniques from different models.

3. Lazarus multimodal therapy

Richard Lazarus is best known for his contributions to stress coping. His multimodal therapy proposes the use of very diverse techniques depending on the specific problems and the client's personality; this includes interventions such as behavior modification, cognitive restructuring, biofeedback and pharmacological therapy.

4. Prochaska and Diclemente's Transtheoretical Model of Change

This theoretical and practical model is applied in the treatment of addictions.. It defines change in six stages (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and termination), two types of process (cognitive-experiential and behavioral) and five levels (symptomatic, cognitive, interpersonal, systemic and intrapersonal).

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