Integrative change model in psychotherapy: Perspectives from Indian thought

Abstract

Different psychotherapeutic approaches claim positive changes in patients as a result of therapy. Explanations related to the change process led to different change models. Some of the change models are experimentally oriented whereas some are theoretical. Apart from the core models of behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive and spiritually oriented models there are specific models, within psychotherapy that explains the change process. Integrative theory of a person as depicted in Indian thought provides a common ground for the integration of various therapies. Integrative model of change based on Indian thought, with specific reference to psychological concepts in Upanishads, Ayurveda, Bhagavad Gita and Yoga are presented. Appropriate psychological tools may be developed in order to help the clinicians to choose the techniques that match the problem and the origin of the dimension. Explorations have to be conducted to develop more techniques that are culturally appropriate and clinically useful. Research has to be initiated to validate the identified concepts.

Locating the sacred within the therapeutic landscape: Influence of therapists’ religious and spiritual beliefs on psychotherapeutic practice.

“…India is a land of religious diversity and home to ancient religious traditions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism often referred to as “Dharmic” traditions/religions (Oman & Paranjpe, 2018), with religions likeChristianity, Islam, and Zoroastrianism existing alongside. The need to integrate aspects of ancient Indian thought, in terms of psychological concepts in Upanishads, Ayurveda, Bhagavad Gita, and Yoga into psychology and mental health has been consistently emphasized (Manickam, 2013; Sharma et al, 2009). It has been further proposed that various types of religious practices, such as prayer, yoga and meditation, lessons from the Bhagavad Gita, ideas of karma, duty, acceptance, and consciousness from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain thought, beliefs about faith, hope, forgiveness, and acceptance, stories from mythology and anecdotes from religious texts, which have a significant effect on psychological and physical well-being be utilized in psychotherapy practice (Joshi et al, 2008; Nagpal, 2009; Singh & Modi, 2011).…”

‘Meeting the Client Where They Are Rather Than Where I'm At’: A Qualitative Survey Exploring CBT and Psychodynamic Therapist Perceptions of Psychotherapy Integration

“…Psychotherapy consists of many types of models and theories, currently enumerated to be more than 450 (Manickam, 2013). This diversity began with the founders of major psychotherapeutic paradigms, such as psychodynamic/psychoanalytic (initially developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries), cognitive (developed by Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s) and behavioural therapies (developed by B. F. Skinner, Joseph Wolpe and Hans Eysenck in the 1950s), to name a few.…”