Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes mindfulness-and compassion-oriented integrative psychotherapy (MCIP) as a process-based therapy, which is founded on scientific research into the processes of change in psychotherapy. It describes how MCIP as a relational form of psychotherapy views the client and therapist as a system of mutual influence. The book emphasise the significance of the intersubjective physiological field between the therapist and the client. It describes the concept of relational schemas as a fundamental construct in MCIP that provides us with an understanding of the client’s inner relational world and how this world impacts the relationship with others. The book highlights the importance of the therapist’s mindful state of consciousness during the therapy session for effective psychotherapeutic work. It presents a method of mindful processing that is used for processing disturbing experiences.