Guided affective imagery

The Katathym Imaginative Psychotherapy ( KIP ) is a by Hans Carl Leuner 1954 introduced deep psychologically well-founded method, initially under the synonymous terms " Guided Affective Imagery " (KB ) and "Symbol drama" was known. Today it is called in official parlance " Katathym imaginative psychotherapy " ( KIP ).

Although imaginations are used in a number of psychotherapy methods, the KIP but systematized their application the most. The " Katathym Imaginative Psychotherapy " provides in addition to the verbal process of a promotion and stimulation of symbolisation, which is considered a prerequisite for changes in personality structure.

Method

Imagination, visualization and daydreams

With the KIP both those special emotionsnah designed Imagination is addressed, on which the method is based, as well as their integration into a psychotherapeutic process. In this sense, the KIP is to be defined as a differentiated methodological approach for handling the day- room technology, which is built on the theoretical foundation of psychoanalysis and its key parameters, such as transference and countertransference dynamic unconscious and resistance into account, symbolic processes devotes special attention and thereby the work with imagination in the form of daydreaming gives an essential role. The for relevant concepts of perception, pattern formation and symbolization developed Hans Carl Leuner on the basis of Gestalt psychology, his work as well as in other fields of work (in particular his psychopathology ) decisively shaped.

In contrast to other visualization techniques, the methods catathymic imaginations are characterized in that they not only lead plastic optical impressions in mind, but basically involve all sensory modalities and action unfold in full trains of daydream character. The epithet " Katathym " should make it clear that these ideas " out of the feeling " are, therefore not controlled voluntarily. For dealing with these KIP holds a variety teachable and learnable therapeutic interventions ready.

Method

The method is divided into basic, intermediate and advanced levels. At each stage, a number of standard designs and special treatments are given, which were resistant differentiated and evolved into now five decades. At the basic level include motifs such as meadow, stream, and mountain. In the intermediate motifs are applied such as lion and car and at the advanced level subjects such as cave and volcano. Through previous relaxation of the body, which is guided by the therapist, there is a controlled regression and relaxation of defense.

On the image plane of the daydream of the patient come in addition to the current mood among other things, its traits, Verhaltenseigentümlichkeiten, resources, motivation structures and central unconscious relationship conflicts symbolically to represent. Moreover, time and again illustrate the designated " transfer " unconscious ideas about the therapeutic relationship, and those experiences with other people who have their inner soul precipitation found as so-called " representative ". The cognitive and affective content of the daydream events can then be understood as diagnostic points and addressed therapeutically in order to pursue awareness of near- surface layers forth slowly and carefully into the deep unconscious mental life.

Examples of Standard Designs

To encourage pictorial ( imaginations ) Leuner developed a number of fixed motifs ( for example flower, house, path ). Kottje - Birnbacher describes some standard motifs found in the Katathym - imaginative psychotherapy application accurately and responds to their signification. Here is the Motive " meadow " and "mountain" are received.

• Wiese: The motif of the meadow is the current mood of the patient and his habitual way of approaching the world, is shown. The characterization of its current mood is done by the lushness and barrenness, width or narrowness of the meadow, by the weather and the season in the presented image. The actions exerted by the patient in his imagination, showing his usual approach to the world. Some patients are relaxing, others want to experience something, another do not quite know what to do or want, etc. trees, animals or people can symbolize self - and object representations. Likewise, the patient can go back into his past, to feel like a kid again and revive long -forgotten feelings again.

• Mountain: the mountain with its heights and shapes, can give insight into the level of ambition of the patient. Narcissistic personalities tend for example to create impressive, unbesteigbare high mountains, whereas depressive personalities imagine most uninteresting small hill. The motif of the mountain can also explore the use of performance tasks by the patient is asked to climb the mountain. The patient may, for example, evade the task and see immediately on the top of the mountain or he considers the rise as not worthwhile. The expectation of the rise can be instructive - the path is easy or to cope with troublesome? Are there obstacles? If so, how he dealt with this? Are they insurmountable or the patient goes ambitious approach this challenge? He might overestimate yourself? It is also interesting to see how it goes the patient when he achieved his goal of reaching the summit, - he is satisfied, tired or lonely? What is the panorama?

Areas of application

In addition to the treatment of neurotic disorders, the spectrum of indications has expanded to include other psychogenic disorders ( structural I - disorders, post- traumatic stress disorder, etc.). For psychosomatic diseases, the method holds ready gentle and effective treatment approaches. In addition to individual therapy ( with special options for focal therapy ), the daydream technique is also suitable for couple, family and group therapy as well as for the treatment of children and adolescents.

In the trauma therapy, the KIP involves working with the inner child in treatment. There are guided imagination to bring out the inner child in a safe, good place to take advice from imaginary helper beings.

Recognition in Germany and Austria

The KIP may be carried out in Germany within the framework of psychodynamic psychotherapy as a health insurance benefit. From the Association for Guided Affective Imagery and imagination in psychotherapy AGKB in Göttingen an independent psychotherapy training for this method is offered. In Austria, it is one of the state-recognized scientific and psychotherapeutic methods.