ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates the concept of therapeutic involvement in working within a therapeutic relationship—within the transference—and with active expressive and experiential methods to resolve traumatic experiences, relational disturbances, and life shaping decisions. One perspective emphasizes the effectiveness of a psychotherapist working only in the “present moment” of the therapy relationship—of working solely within the transference/countertransference matrix. An effective, relationally focused integrative psychotherapy continually weaves the client’s and psychotherapist’s experiences of their relationship in the present moment with an exploration of the emotional and self-stabilizing results of past relationships in the client’s life. An important aspect of a relationally focused integrative psychotherapy is in the psychotherapist’s willingness to be actively involved by engaging the client in reexperiencing difficult or even traumatic events. The therapist’s theory, interpretation, or wish for behavioral change is less important than the mutual experience of client and psychotherapist.
