Expired Cyclical Psychodynamics (CP) and the Vulnerability Cycle (VC): A Seamless Shift between Individual and Couple Therapy [Online]

In order to oscillate seamlessly between individual and couple therapies, there needs to be an integrated theory guiding the therapist that underlines these shifts. This workshop will provide an example of how to meld the two therapies in a way that makes it difficult to detect where one ends and the other begins. The therapist is thus invited not to “switch” from one apparatus to another but rather successively view different aspects of the same larger pattern. Holding both Cyclical Psychodynamics (CP) and the Vulnerability Cycle (VC) couple perspective can allow for the seamless shift to occur. CP is a framework especially suited for thinking about couples because it is centrally rooted in the vicious circles in which people can get caught, both individually and collectively. VC conceptualize couples’ presenting problems as embedded in a reciprocal interactional/emotional pattern that contributes to their derailment. This entrapment is due to the activation of vulnerabilities and survival strategies, which are embedded in their intrapsychic, and complicate the couple’s existing modes of relating.

This workshop will first address questions and dilemmas that might arise when therapists are holding an either/or perspective of individual vs. couple therapies. It will then briefly sketch the basic assumptions of the CP & VC models. Finally, by presenting a case study, it will show the benefits of holding this multiple perspective and the importance of investigating the seamless shift between different points of view in individual and couple work.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the dilemmas that arise when holding an either/or perspective of individual vs. couple therapies
• Review the basic assumptions of the CP & VC models
• Exemplify the benefits of holding a multiple perspective and the seamless shift between individual and couple work

Presenter:

Ron Nasim, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and certified couple and family therapist from Israel. He is the former coordinator and supervisor for the couple and family therapy program at LOTEM clinic for sexual abuse survivors, Sourasky Medical Center at Tel Aviv. His primary topic of clinical and theoretic research is psychotherapy integration. Ron is a senior lecturer at the Barcai Institute of family therapy and at the Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo. Ron supervises psychotherapists in both individual & couples settings.