Different Theoretical Approaches

Most forms of psychotherapy can be associated with four major theoretical orientations: cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and systemic. All of them are important to our understanding and conducting of psychotherapy. We also believe that a fruitful way to capture the complexity of change and to improve our treatment of psychopathology is to consider contributions from each of these approaches.

Accordingly, the work and research conducted in our lab takes place in the context of a movement called “Psychotherapy Integration”. This movement involves four themes: theoretical orientation, systematic eclecticism, common factors, and assimilative integration.

Included here are links to publications about the integration movement in general (Castonguay et al., 2015; Castonguay, Holtforth, & Maramba, 2005; Boswell et al., 2010, Castonguay et al., 2003), as well as a description of a personal and professional journey toward this movement (Castonguay, 2006).

Among the themes of integration, our lab is more strongly interested in common factors and assimilative integration.

Common Factors

Although each theory of psychotherapy emphasizes specific concepts (e.g., distorted thoughts, transference) and particular techniques (e.g., cognitive restructuring, analysis of defense), research is showing that change in therapy is explained in part by factors that are common to different forms of therapy. In this lab, we believe that identification of principles of change is a useful way to conceptualize and study these common factors. Among the principles of change that we focus most of our attention are the development and repair of alliance; the acquisition of a new perspective of self and others; and the fostering of corrective experiences.

Included here are links to theoretical and research publications address different types of common factors: McAleavey & Castonguay, 2015; Castonguay et al., 2010; Castonguay et al., 2010; Constantino et al., 2010; Zack, Castonguay, & Boswell, 2007; Beutler, Castonguay, & Follette, 2006; Castonguay & Beutler, 2006; Castonguay, Constantino, & Grosse Holtforth, 2006; Beutler & Castonguay, 2005; Castonguay & Beutler, 2005; Castonguay et al., 2005; Castonguay & Grosse Holtforth, 2005; Grosse Holtforth & Castonguay, 2005; Klein et al., 2003; Castonguay, 2000; Castonguay, 1997; Castonguay et al., 1996; Castonguay, 1993; Raue, Castonguay, & Goldfried, 1993.

Assimilative Integration

One way to improve one particular form of therapy is to assimilate, within this approach, concepts and techniques that have been developed within other theoretical orientations.

You will find publications describing conceptual and empirical efforts to improve cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy within an assimilative integrative perspective included here: Nelson & Castonguay, 2017; Newman, Castonguay, & Jacobson, 2015; Boswell et al., 2011; Newman et al., 2011; Newman et al., 2008; Castonguay, Newman, & grosse Holftorth, 2019; Newman et al., 2004; Castonguay et al., 2004; Goldfried & Castonguay, 1993.

Full references are available from Dr. Castonguay’s CV.