Integrative therapy for trauma
The concept "integrative psychotherapy" has received increasing attention in recent decades (Zarbo et al., 2016) and has become particularly popular within the broader field of trauma treatment. Although interpretations of integration vary, some recurring views can be discerned.
Some experts consider integration as combining techniques from different treatment models to flexibly respond to the dynamic and changing needs of the client.
Integration is considered by some to be merging different explanatory models into one cohesive whole, a new gestalt, bringing together elements from different therapeutic models into one intervention.
Sometimes integration is considered a guiding principle in trauma therapy, which not only guides therapeutic interventions but also influences assessment, diagnosis and case formulation (Zilberstein, 2022). This principle emphasizes that our understanding of trauma and its consequences must take into account various factors from both the pre and posttraumatic periods, such as personality, prior traumatic experiences, and coping mechanisms. These factors, in turn, can constitute important therapeutic targets.
Finally, an integrative approach is also considered to be crucial to rehabilitation processes, encouraging clinicians to adopt a comprehensive, community-based approach to trauma recovery (Kagan & Spinazzola, 2013)
Emergence of the integrative approach.
The integrative movement seeks a commonality of phenomena observable in clients' change processes to which a universal language could be given.
The integrative approach has taken off in large part because of increasing professionalization in the areas of theory building and methodology development.
The essence of different therapy models are fused into an overarching model.
There are hundreds of types of therapy. These are all different models of treatment. Each model of therapy deals with an aspect of human existence.
Within these therapy models, again, innumerable techniques have been figured out.
A specific therapeutic technique may be effective in one area of existence and ineffective in another.
In integrative therapy, we look at the principles underlying therapy models. The underlying principles have to do with a specific view of man and how it is that a person may be experiencing physical and/or psychological symptoms. These principles are called explanatory models.
The therapeutic strategy of the medical model focuses on the body.
Therefore, the therapeutic strategy focuses primarily on correcting dysfunctional thoughts through identifying and challenging them.
The therapeutic strategy focuses on the interaction between two or more individuals belonging to the same system.
The therapeutic strategy focuses on the spiritual dimensions of existence, the soul of man.
The therapeutic strategy focuses on balancing carrying capacity and load.
The therapeutic strategy focuses on the inner processes and sees the human being as a dynamic force field.