Cycles of Psychotherapy

Abstract

This article proposes a system for classifying psychotherapy, counseling, and supervision in terms of a cycle of four phases. The author describes each phase and the boundary condition that indicates the client is ready to move to the next phase, as well as the tasks of therapist and client at each phase. The effects of premature passage to the next phase of treatment or termination at an inappropriately early phase are also discussed. The phases, with their boundary conditions in brackets, are: contact (contract), content (decision or redecision), consolidation (integration), and conclusion (termination or reengagement).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gordon Hewitt

Gordon Hewitt, Ph.D., is a Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (Clinical) in private practice. He divides his time between seeing clients, providing supervision, and running training events.