Ambivalence resolution in brief psychotherapy for depression

• DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2169
• Publication Date: 2018-01-10T05:07:50Z
• Authors: Cátia Braga; António P. Ribeiro; Miguel M. Gonçalves; João Tiago Oliveira; Alexandra Botelho; Helena Ferreira; Inês Sousa
• Keywords: Ambivalence; Dominance (genetics); Therapeutic relationship; Depression

Ambivalence in the process of psychotherapeutic change should be addressed and resolved if we are to avoid failure promote sustained change. In this context, ambivalence can defined as cyclical conflictual relation between two opposed positions self: one expressed an innovation, a subsequent trivialization or rejection innovation (problematic position). This conflict may different ways: (a) dominance innovative position consequent inhibition problematic (b) negotiation positions. study, sought study evolution processes recovered unchanged cases; analyse therapeutic models produce results on processes, finally, these predictive resolution. The complete sessions 22 clinical cases depression (6 cognitive‐behavioural therapy, 10 narrative 6 emotion‐focused therapy cases) were independently coded for moments, ambivalence, Results revealed that had progressively higher proportion along treatment, whereas cases, was virtually absent throughout treatment. Both significant predictors reduction, however, impact than dominance. Overall, did not significantly differ 3 models. theoretical implications findings discussed, derived suggestions clinicians presented.