ABSTRACT

The Restoration Therapy (RT) Model was first developed in the 1990s by Terry Hargrave and evolved out of his work with understanding and developing new techniques for contextual family therapy (Boszormenyi-Nagy & Krasner, 1986). Through identification of reactions to pain involving both love and trustworthiness (Hargrave, 1994), assessment and understanding reactivity (Hargrave, 2000; Hargrave & Pfitzer, 2003), and eventually the use of a therapeutic process called restoration therapy (Hargrave, 2010; Hargrave & Pfitzer, 2011), it has since been the theoretical foundation for diverse clinical practices including marriage intensives, therapy support groups, psychoeducation groups for couples, psychoeducation groups for individuals, and conventional therapeutic practice for individuals, couples, and families. With the various applications of the Restoration Therapy Model has come the energy of a growing community of clinicians and researchers who continue to explore new ways to apply the model with an ever-broadening scope of clinical populations. Members of the RT community have been energized by the results they have found in their clinical work and, for many, this model has been transformative in their personal lives. In fact, we believe that an important part of being a good therapist is knowing ourselves in our own pain and possessing an awareness of our intrapersonal and interpersonal patterns that grow out of that pain. We, too, are in need of tools to remain regulated so that we can stay focused on the task of facilitating transformation and healing with our clients.