Relational Patterns, Therapeutic Presence presents a comprehensive integrative theory and style of therapeutic involvement that reflects a relational and non-pathological perspective.
Containing work from the course of Richard Erskine's career, this book provides an essential introduction to developmentally based, relationally focused integrative psychotherapy. The methods described are contact based, profoundly respectful, developmentally attuned, co-constructive, and intersubjective. Rather than a theoretical integration of therapeutic concepts and techniques, Erskine focusses on the concept of internal integration -- a convergence of physiology, affect, and cognition so that behaviour is by choice of the current contacts, and not simulated by fear, compulsion, or conditioning. This Classic Edition includes a new prelude by the author.
Written in a conversational style, Relational Patterns, Therapeutic Presence will be essential reading for psychotherapists in practice and in training.
Richard G. Erskine, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, licensed psychoanalyst, certified transactional analyst and group psychotherapist. He specialized in the treatment of clients with early affect confusion, dissociation, obsession, narcissism, and schizoid processes.
"Richard Erskine is a respected and admired developer of integrative psychotherapy, well known for his writings and teaching on Inquiry, Attunement, and Involvement in the therapeutic relationship. The various chapters offer vivid case vignettes that provide useful examples of how to conduct in-depth psychotherapy. This book is an ideal resource for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of a developmentally-based, relationally-focused integrative psychotherapy." - Ray Little, author of several articles and book chapters on the theory and methods of psychotherapy, Edinburgh, Scotland
"This book is a treasure to help psychotherapists understand clients' unconscious process and non-verbal communication. Richard Erskine skilfully demonstrates the theory and practice of a relationally-focused and developmentally-based psychotherapy that facilitates the integration of the fragmented parts of the self. This book is a must-read for every psychotherapist, from beginners to the very experienced." - Ruth Birkebaek, MD; psychotherapist, supervisor, international trainer, London, UK
"Richard Erskine's book blends theory and practice in a comprehensive and complementary way. It is an excellent guide for those who want to understand and practice relational-focused integrative psychotherapy. You will find in every paragraph of this book a creative synthesis of knowledge and method, an inspiring resource for all psychotherapists." - Dr. Şafak Ebru Toksoy, Institute of Graduate Programs, Trauma and Disaster Mental Health, Istanbul Bilgi University
"Each chapter provides a richly coloured tapestry of Integrative Psychotherapy. The presentation of client material helps to give the reader a vibrant image of how in-depth psychotherapy looks in practice. It is a wonderful, essential creation, beautifully crafted, with many practical ideas and concepts, interwoven and interconnected." - Sally Openshaw, President, International Integrative Psychotherapy Association (IIPA); IIPA Certified Trainer and Supervisor; UKCP Registered Psychotherapist; COSRT Accredited Sexual and relational Therapist and Supervisor