Publicatie

Strengthening Connectedness in Close Relationships: A Model for Applying Contextual Therapy

This article presents a model for conducting contextual therapy with the aim of contributing to the further development of contextual therapy. Its founder, Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy, introduced the core of this approach, relational ethics, as a new paradigm for family therapy, which has been received well. The authors presume that the training of (upcoming) contextual therapists and conducting contextual therapy itself can benefit from more concrete guidelines and a phased structure. It can also enhance the further development, research, and accountability of this approach. Therefore, using a design-oriented method, the authors developed a model that helps to shape a contextual therapy process and the applicable contextual interventions. It is based on strengthening connectedness in close relationships, using relational ethics as its compass. The framework of the model consists of three phases: exploring connectedness in close relationships, modifying connectedness in close relationships, and reinforcing connectedness in close relationships, whereby the goals of each of these phases are defined as process elements and expanded into guidelines for 19 interventions. The ingredients for these interventions are derived from two recent studies on the practice of Nagy and on the practice of current contextual therapists. The model is explained and substantiated

Auteur(s)

Verduijn, C., Meiden, J. van der, Ewijk, H. van, Noordegraaf, M. (Martine)

Publicatietype

Artikel

Uitgever

Wiley

Trefwoorden

Relational ethics, Family therapy, close relationships, qualitative research, Intergenerational therapy, therapy model, Contextual therapy

Taal

Engels

Gepubliceerd in

Family Process 59(2), 346–360

DOI

10.1111/famp.12425

Gepubliceerd op datum

2020