Transcript Chapter 2 Interpersonal Learning

Chapter 2 Interpersonal Learning
The Theory and Practice of Group
Psychotherapy
Irvin Yalom, Ph.D
Importance of Interpersonal Learning
 As in John Bowlby studies on attachment noticed, there
is a genetically built in need for social system or
connection
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a. Hence, there is the dilemma that man is a social being.
Here is where you begin to value group therapy, because all
pathology is manifested interpersonally.
 How does someone meet their needs while meeting
those of others?
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b. A need for connection, approval, acceptance, esteem or
identity?
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c. Hence, in research there is the data to suggest that people
that are lonely die earlier.
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d. In fact, Sullivan thinks or attributes personality significantly
to I.L. during development. (i.e. a child is shaped by their
interpersonal interactions)
Importance of Interpersonal Learning
 In Grunebaum and Solomon's studies of
adolescents, self esteem and satisfying
others are inseparable.
But, how do we put this element to
work within a group?
 Sullivan assigned the term Parataxic
Distortions to the behavior or our tendency
to distort our perceptions of others.
Parataxic Distortion
This occurs in an interpersonal situation.
One person relates to another not on the
basis of the realistic attributes of the other,
but on the basis of a personification that
exists chiefly in the former's own fantasty
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1. similar to the concept of transference
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2. It differs in two ways:
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a. the scope is broader
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b. the theory of origin is broader
Parataxic Distortion
This leads to circular causality or a self
fulfilling prophecy which is self
perpetuating cycle.
(e.g. someone with derogatory, debased self
image may through selective attention or
projection, incorrectly perceive others to be
harsh or rejecting.)
Parataxic Distortion
 These distortions are modified by consensual
validation
 one sampling someone else's views on an incident in
order to confirm it (but the sampling is not directly
leading to a maladaptive conclusion)
 Psychological health has been described as "
the expanding of the self to such a final effect
that the patient as known to himself is much the
same person as the patient’s behaviors with
others."
Parataxic Distortion &
Interpersonal Learning
This is played out in group therapy.
 After the initial phase of group therapy,
symptom relief may not be the major goal.
Instead, a more interpersonal
preoccupation unfolds - learning to trust
and to love others.
Hence, the idea of Near vs Far.
Benefits of Interpersonal Learning by the
way of Group Therapy
 Corrective Emotional Experience
 A. The opportunity to expose a pt under more favorable
circumstances to emotional situations that he could not handle in the
past.
 Franz Alexander 1946 when discussing the psychoanalytic cure
stated the above.
 He mentioned that insight alone is insufficient.
 There must be an emotional component and systematic reality testing.
(Consensual Validation)
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1. This obviously is more difficult in individual therapy.
2. The eliciting of raw emotion is insufficient. This experience
requires :
• 1.group must be seen as safe and supportive in order to openly express
• 2. there must be sufficient engagement and honest feedback
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3. Good example on p25
Importance of Interpersonal Learning
4. In research related to this topic noticed that emotional
expression with some form of cognitive map or
intellectual system was most successful.
5. Social microcosm p.29 the grand dame
• a. dynamic interaction leading to a number of
interpretations of reality
• b. Observe consensual validation via a number of
behaviors not just one.
• c. Is it real p41
• 6. Insight