Developing an Integrated Approach

1. Developing an Integrated Approach

2. One approach to forming theoretical orientation is Integration… • Many people say they use an “Eclectic” approach or an “Integrative” approach, but these general descriptions do not stand up in court! • If you choose to use more than one theory in your approach, you MUST develop a professional, technical approach to integration • In this presentation, we will be exploring 4 professional approaches to integration • Common Factors • Technical Eclecticism • Assimilative Integration • Accommodative Integration

3. 1ST APPROACHCommon Factors • Searches for common elements across different theoretical systems. • No matter what kind of therapy is practiced, the common factors are present. • Search for common elements in therapies regardless of terminology

4. Common Factors: Process • Starts by attempting to identify specific effective ingredients of any group of therapies. • Explores ways that particular interventions and psychotherapeutic interactions promote and contain those ingredients • Goal is to maximize client’s exposure to the unique combination of therapeutic factors that will best address client’s presenting concerns

5. 2ND APPROACH:Technical Eclecticism • Advocates for the selective combination of techniques regardless of theoretical origin • Techniques and interventions are drawn from two or more psychotherapeutic systems • Are applied systematically and sequentially • Approaches each client on a case-by-case basis

6. 3RD APPROACH:Assimilative Integration • Therapist maintains a commitment to one theoretical approach but integrates techniques from other therapeutic approaches into practice. • “A mode of integration (which) favors a firm grounding in any one system of psychotherapy, but with a willingness to incorporate or assimilate, in a considered fashion, perspectives or practices from other schools” (Messer, 1992).

7. 4TH APPROACH:Accommodative Integration • Therapist integrates techniques from other theories into an overarching theoretical approach that is qualitatively changed by the integration (Wolfe, 2004) • Is not strictly an integration of techniques, but also a modification of the foundational theory into which the techniques are integrated

8. Comparison of Integration Approaches

9. As we review different theories, ask yourself… • Do I align enough with these theoretical components for it to be the sole theory I always use with all clients? • If your answer is yes--you will identify your theoretical orientation as “that theory”…so you might be a Rogerian Counselor if you align completely with Rogers’ Person Centered Approach • Do I align enough with these components for it to be my umbrella/overarching theory? • If so, your theoretical orientation would be either Assimilative Integrationist or Accommodative Integrationist • If you do…ask yourself, “Does my umbrella/overarching theory change fundamentally when I incorporate the other theoretical elements? • If so…You would be an Accommodative Integrationist • If not…You would be an Assimilative Integrationist • Are there parts of this theory I do not agree with at all? • How do I see this theory fitting with other theories I have found congruent with my philosophy thus far? Right now, you have not learned about any of the different theories. However, as we cover each theory ask yourself, “how does this theory fit for me?” and consider how the integrationist approaches seem to match the way you perceive your theoretical orientation to be shaping up or emerging.

10. Don’t worry!! We will revisit this again, but it is important to be familiar with the different professional approaches to integration early so that you can actively engage in the critical evaluation of theories throughout this course.