The integration of psychodynamic and behavior therapies revisited: Approaching rapprochement? Implications for theory and practice

Abstract

The past 10 years has seen little activity in the attempt to integrate psychodynamic and behavioral therapies. While these therapies are generally seen as incompatible, recent developments have resulted in forms of each (Control/Mastery theory and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy) that are strikingly similar in their conceptualization of psychopathology, their interventions and their outcome measures. This paper revisits the possibility of integrating these therapies from a common factors perspective. While these therapies possess many commonalties, theoretical differences still result in incompatibility. This incompatibility between two very similar treatments poses serious questions for the psychotherapy integration movement. Implications for theory and treatment are explored.