Relational Patterns, Therapeutic Presence

Richard G. Erskine, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, licensed psychoanalyst, certified transactional analyst, and group psychotherapist. He specialized in the treatment of clients with early affect confusion, dissociation, obsession, narcissism, and schizoid processes.

“Richard Erskine is a respected and admired developer of integrative psychotherapy, well known for his writings and teaching on Inquiry, Attunement, and Involvement in the therapeutic relationship. The various chapters offer vivid case vignettes that provide useful examples of how to conduct in-depth psychotherapy. This book is an ideal resource for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of a developmentally-based, relationally-focused integrative psychotherapy.” - Ray Little, author of several articles and book chapters on the theory and methods of psychotherapy, Edinburgh, Scotland“This book is a treasure to help psychotherapists understand clients’ unconscious process and non-verbal communication. Richard Erskine skilfully demonstrates the theory and practice of a relationally-focused and developmentally-based psychotherapy that facilitates the integration of the fragmented parts of the self. This book is a must-read for every psychotherapist, from beginners to the very experienced.” - Ruth Birkebaek, MD; psychotherapist, supervisor, international trainer, London, UK“Richard Erskine’s book blends theory and practice in a comprehensive and complementary way. It is an excellent guide for those who want to understand and practice relational-focused integrative psychotherapy. You will find in every paragraph of this book a creative synthesis of knowledge and method, an inspiring resource for all psychotherapists.” - Dr. Şafak Ebru Toksoy, Institute of Graduate Programs, Trauma and Disaster Mental Health, Istanbul Bilgi University“Each chapter provides a richly coloured tapestry of Integrative Psychotherapy. The presentation of client material helps to give the reader a vibrant image of how in-depth psychotherapy looks in practice. It is a wonderful, essential creation, beautifully crafted, with many practical ideas and concepts, interwoven and interconnected.” - Sally Openshaw, President, International Integrative Psychotherapy Association (IIPA); IIPA Certified Trainer and Supervisor; UKCP Registered Psychotherapist; COSRT Accredited Sexual and relational Therapist and Supervisor

• PRELUDE TO THE CLASSIC EDITIONACKNOWLEDGEMENTSABOUT THE AUTHOR FOREWORD by Joshua ZavinPREFACE INTRODUCTIONPhilosophical principles of integrative psychotherapyCHAPTER ONEIntegrative psychotherapy: theory, process, and relationshipCHAPTER TWOA therapy of contact-in-relationshipviiviii CONTENTSCHAPTER THREEAttunement and involvement: therapeutic responsesto relational needsCHAPTER FOURPsychotherapy of unconscious experienceCHAPTER FIVELife scripts and attachment patterns: theoretical integrationand therapeutic involvementCHAPTER SIXLife scripts: unconscious relational patterns andpsychotherapeutic involvementCHAPTER SEVENThe script system: an unconscious organization of experienceCHAPTER EIGHTPsychological functions of life scriptsCHAPTER NINEIntegrating expressive methods in a relational psychotherapyCHAPTER TENBonding in relationship: a solution to violence?CHAPTER ELEVENA Gestalt therapy approach to shame and self-righteousness:theory and methodsCHAPTER TWELVEThe schizoid processCHAPTER THIRTEENEarly affect-confusion: the “borderline” between despairand rage 199CONTENTS ixCHAPTER FOURTEENBalancing on the “borderline” of early affect-confusionCHAPTER FIFTEENRelational healing of early affect-confusionCHAPTER SIXTEENIntrojection, psychic presence, and Parent ego states:considerations for psychotherapyCHAPTER SEVENTEENResolving intrapsychic conflict: psychotherapy of Parentego statesCHAPTER EIGHTEENWhat do you say before you say goodbye? Psychotherapyof griefCHAPTER NINETEENNonverbal stories: the body in psychotherapyCHAPTER TWENTYNarcissism or the therapist’s error?REFERENCES INDEX