ABSTRACT
For over a century, psychotherapists have been universally trained to avoid any personal involvement with patients. Cognitive behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy's (CBASP) alternative therapist role for the persistently depressed patient is labeled, Disciplined Personal Involvement (DPI). Assuming that detached and disengaged psychotherapists can focus their attention on the patient's problems all the while holding the individual responsible for modifying a state of affairs that was not of their making. CBASP offers the personal involvement proposal fully aware that the counter-transference proscription has worked well for the psychotherapy profession. Many chronic patients present for treatment severely damaged genetically, developmentally, cognitive-emotionally, and behaviorally. The DPI therapist role acknowledges this potential and gives therapists permission to be a disciplined and personally involved human being during treatment. The DPI role, when actualized appropriately, enables one to behave toward the patient as an interpersonal partner where felt safety, interpersonal trust, and problem-solving skills are acquired.
