2022-07-16 Sat 21:29 PM ![[moses_a_psychotherapist_who_is_secretly_a_loving_and_benevolant_803c796d-debf-4bb7-8238-0400779f7e2f.png]] [[Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST)]] — things I like. 1. Problem-focused. Aims to identify and solve a problem. Wants to know what it would look like if the issue were resolved. 2. Pragmatic. Just enough. Only go as deep as needed to solve the problem. 3. Hypothesis driven. I've had too many therapy sessions with no clear goal, or a goal established in a previous session that's now forgotten in this one. IST starts with a problem, then identifies an action sequence in which the problem appears, then identifies a solution sequence, then identifies constraints that prevent the solution from being implemented, and seeks to lift those constraints. It stays focused and maintains the breadcrumb trail all the way back up to the presenting problem. 4. Sequences. Problem sequence and solution sequence. 5. If a solution sequence is tried, then either it'll work or else it'll give light about the constraints in the system. 6. Integrates arbitrary modalities. And gives a generally suggested ordering based on cost of implementation. 7. Integrates contexts — individual, couple, family etc. Expects to have partners there in session by default. Because important work is gonna happen and it's going to be more impactful if it is experienced by more members of the system. 8. Cares about termination. Sees therapy as proceeding in problem-focused episodes (a cluster of sessions) during which the problem is solved or sufficiently ameliorated. Then it's "goodbye for now". 9. Gives advice. Is willing to be prescriptive. "You should do this.""