Constructing a useful interpretation in relationship-focused psychodynamic therapy

In recent years, clinical knowledge and research have been directed toward finding intervention practices that, on the one hand, will be based on psychoanalytic theories, and on the other hand, will lead to better therapeutic results in a more effective and faster manner. The CCRT approach - which deals with working with the central conflictual relationship theme, was developed by Professor Luborsky in the 1980s. The approach strives to formulate a central relational issue in each treatment, which will allow the work to focus on basic and conflictual patterns of relationships. The approach was developed in a way that also allows for empirical research of abstract concepts such as transference and unconscious attachment patterns. The approach has been extensively studied in the United States and is currently being studied in Israel as well, and findings indicate a high level of its effectiveness.

Today's program:

Part One: Introducing the CCRT (Core Conflictual Relationship Theme) Approach – We will learn and practice the approach as a basis for conceptualization (formulation) in short-term psychodynamic therapy focused on the perception of relationships. We will learn how to use the core relational theme conceptualization as a basis for interpretation and techniques that support and strengthen the patient's strengths.

Part Two: What is Effective Interpretation? We will briefly present research findings on the effectiveness of interpretation in dynamic therapy in general and interpretation based on the CCRT in particular. We will learn the conclusions from recent research on the subject through examples and practice.

Part Three: The Centrality of the Therapeutic Alliance – What is the therapeutic alliance and why is it seen in research as central to achieving good therapeutic outcomes? We will learn to identify 'fractures' in the therapeutic alliance, and how to work with them and repair them in a way that will advance treatment. We will learn the classic relational approach to identifying and repairing fractures in the alliance, and the insights that have been expanded in CCRT-based therapy. We will examine applications in face-to-face and distance therapy.

The lessons during the learning day will include a presentation of theory and research findings and will also include experimentation and practice of the concepts and techniques by the participants.

About the lecturer:

Dr. Liat Leibowitz is a clinical psychologist, instructor, therapist in a private clinic, lecturer in the clinical program at Ruppin College, and clinical psychologist responsible for internships at the 'Ahava' boarding school in Kiryat Bialik. Her doctoral thesis focused on therapeutic techniques in short-term dynamic treatment of depression. She is currently researching the effect of therapeutic techniques on the therapeutic alliance and on improvement in depression in Internet-based psychodynamic therapy with adolescents at the Anna Freud Center in London.