ABSTRACT
Recognition is important and needs to be achieved in a compassionate way to enable the development of a curious, interested, kind observer, as opposed to an internal critic. In Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), this stance is called the observing eye and can sometimes be represented on a client’s map as the picture of an eye. Recognition outside of therapy relies on the client’s ability to notice and bring relevant information, although the therapist can assist with this process by relating information back to the map or list of procedures. Visual aids can be useful in this process as the very act of looking at a drawn diagrammatic reformulation involves taking a step back from procedures and therefore involves not being fully caught up in them. The nature of recognition is synonymous with qualities of mindfulness, as the aim is to develop an observing, non-judgemental, curious stance in relation to problematic patterns and procedures as they are occurring in the moment.
