Re-decision Therapy
Introduction
Re-decision Therapy is an integrative form of psychotherapy that combines elements of Transactional Analysis (TA) and Gestalt Therapy. It focuses on helping clients identify and change self-limiting decisions made during childhood that continue to impact their behavior and emotional well-being. By revisiting and re-deciding these early decisions in a therapeutic setting, individuals can create more empowering and positive life choices.
History and Development
Re-decision Therapy was developed in the 1960s by Robert Goulding, MD, and Mary Goulding, MSW, both prominent figures in the field of psychotherapy. The Gouldings were influenced by their training in Transactional Analysis, developed by Eric Berne, and Gestalt Therapy, developed by Fritz Perls. They sought to create a therapeutic approach that addressed the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of clients’ issues.
Core Principles and Techniques
Core Principles:
- Integration of TA and Gestalt: Re-decision Therapy merges the cognitive insights of TA with the experiential techniques of Gestalt Therapy.
- Focus on Early Decisions: The therapy emphasizes understanding and changing decisions made in childhood that shape current behaviors and emotions.
- Empowerment: Clients are encouraged to take responsibility for their decisions and make new, healthier choices.
- Experiential Learning: Therapy sessions often involve experiential exercises to help clients access and rework past decisions.
Techniques:
- Contracting: The therapist and client establish a clear contract outlining the goals and desired outcomes of therapy.
- TA Concepts: Utilizes TA concepts such as ego states (Parent, Adult, Child), life scripts, and transactions to explore clients’ issues.
- Gestalt Techniques: Employs Gestalt techniques such as role-playing, empty chair, and experiential exercises to bring past decisions into the present moment for re-evaluation.
- Re-decision Work: Clients are guided to revisit significant childhood decisions in a safe and supportive environment, enabling them to make new decisions that align with their current values and goals.
Process and Structure
Assessment and Contracting: The therapy process begins with an assessment of the client’s issues and the establishment of a therapeutic contract. This contract defines the specific goals and desired outcomes of therapy.
Exploration of Life Scripts: The therapist helps the client explore their life script, a set of unconscious beliefs and decisions formed in childhood that influence their current behavior and experiences.
Identification of Key Decisions: Clients identify key decisions made during significant childhood events that continue to impact their present lives. These decisions are often based on the messages received from parents and significant others.
Experiential Re-decision Work: Using Gestalt techniques, clients are guided through experiential exercises to revisit and re-evaluate these early decisions. They may engage in role-playing or the empty chair technique to confront and dialogue with significant figures from their past.
New Decisions and Integration: Clients make new, more empowering decisions and practice integrating these changes into their daily lives. The therapist supports clients in developing strategies to reinforce these new decisions and behaviors.
Applications and Effectiveness
Applications:
- Personal Growth: Helps individuals overcome self-limiting beliefs and behaviors, promoting personal growth and self-empowerment.
- Relationship Issues: Addresses relational patterns and conflicts rooted in early life decisions, enhancing communication and intimacy.
- Trauma and Abuse: Assists individuals in healing from past trauma and abuse by reworking the decisions and beliefs formed during these experiences.
- Anxiety and Depression: Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression by addressing the underlying decisions and scripts contributing to these conditions.
Effectiveness: Research and clinical experience indicate that Re-decision Therapy can be highly effective in promoting lasting change. Clients often report increased self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, and more satisfying relationships. The integration of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral techniques allows for a holistic approach to therapy that addresses multiple aspects of the client’s experience.
Benefits and Limitations
Benefits:
- Holistic Approach: Addresses cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of clients’ issues.
- Empowerment: Encourages clients to take responsibility for their decisions and make positive changes.
- Experiential Learning: Engages clients in active, experiential work that can lead to profound insights and changes.
- Flexibility: Can be adapted to address a wide range of issues and client needs.
Limitations:
- Intensity: The experiential nature of the therapy can be intense and may not be suitable for all clients, particularly those with severe trauma or mental health issues.
- Training: Requires therapists to have specialized training in both Transactional Analysis and Gestalt Therapy, which may limit the availability of qualified practitioners.
- Client Readiness: Clients need to be willing to engage in deep self-exploration and take responsibility for their change process, which may not be appropriate for everyone.
Conclusion
Re-decision Therapy is a powerful and integrative approach that combines the strengths of Transactional Analysis and Gestalt Therapy to help clients re-evaluate and change self-limiting decisions made in childhood. By addressing these early decisions, clients can create more empowering and positive life choices, leading to improved emotional well-being and more fulfilling relationships. While the therapy can be intense and requires specialized training, its holistic and experiential nature makes it a valuable tool for promoting lasting change and personal growth.
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