Mental imagery in psychotherapy : A potential unifying framework for diverse practices

Thomas, V (Val)

 

Submission type

Oral only

Scheduled

Parallel Session V: Derkinderen kamer, 09-06-2018, 09:00 - 10:30

Kernwoorden

mental imagery, integrative practice,

Onderzoeksgebied

Other

Introductie

Right from its inception, psychotherapy has recognised the therapeutic potential of the client’s mental imagery. However, mental imagery methods and techniques remain harnessed to the particular paradigms and psychological models held by the different schools. Developing more inclusive approaches would allow contemporary psychotherapy to draw more effectively across the diverse repertoires of clinical knowledge, expertise and knowledge extant in the field.

Materiaal en methodes

This paper presents a potential unifying framework based on the functions of mental imagery as a bi-directional means of communication between conscious and nonconscious dimensions of the self. This framework is informed by some preliminary research that identified six common functions operating across different therapeutic approaches. The framework is considered in the light of theories of embodied cognition, which would support the significant role of mental imagery as a mediating agent between lower and higher order cognitive processes.

Conclusie

Anecdotal evidence suggests that integrative psychotherapists can use this framework as an effective means of drawing coherently upon the wide range of approaches to the therapeutic application of mental imagery. This framework represents a tentative move towards a more inclusive position: it will require further research, investigation and refinement in order to test out its usefulness for the field.

Auteurs