ABSTRACT
What is it we treat as psychotherapists? A variety of models have been proposed. Cognitive-Perceptual (CP) theory suggests we begin with spontaneous autobiographical memories, in particular the clearest/most negative affect memory in Part I of the Early Memories Procedure (EMP; Bruhn, 1989a). Patients often identify this as the most important memory in Part I. A précis analysis reveals the context that is currently most troublesome. For instance, the précis might tell us: “When I am criticized I expect that I will feel worthless.” This context (being criticized) provides us with a place to begin psychotherapy. In this case the memory tells us that being criticized is probably the most challenging context in our patient’s life right now. How it became so is fodder for therapy.
