ABSTRACT
In Cognitive Analytic Therapy, it is the continued use of survival strategies that can lead to problems in adulthood and bring the person to therapy. Therefore the criticised child becomes an adult with a criticising to criticised reciprocal role who anticipates criticism from others and is critical of herself and others, and who continues to use the survival strategies of staying invisible or striving to be perfect. As human beings we have essential needs in order to survive and develop into healthy adults. These include the need for physical and emotional care, and evidence from neuroscience shows us that both are of central importance for healthy development. In a challenging environment a child may exhibit a range of associated ‘survival strategies’, which are understandable, adaptive ways of coping with a difficult, unbearable and challenging situation. In CAT, it is the continued use of survival strategies that can lead to problems in adulthood and bring the person to therapy.
