Dyadic Restructuring (DR)

Dyadic Restructuring (DR) is the Interpersonal—Dyadic Substrate

Definition:

Dyadic Restructuring (DR) refers primarily to a group of techniques and methods of restructuring or re-patterning that occur at the dyadic level, or two-person configuration. The focus of the change of DR techniques is primarily at the Level II Domain (interpersonal-dyadic matrix). Techniques of DR address the operating system and processes, which include communication modes (both verbal and non-verbal), patterns, and processes that occur in interpersonal relationships. Thus, at this level of domain the perspective has increased from the micro-level of analysis to an incrementally increasingly macro-level.

Function of Relational Triads:

(a) stabilizing an unstable triangle:

(b) displacing conflict,

(c) avoiding intimacy in a dyad” (Guerin et al., 1996, p. 56).^[1]

• Also, viewed by Fogarty (1979)^[2] “as a short-circuiting mechanism that serves the purposes of avoiding discomfort with intimacy and of avoiding discomfort with facing conflictual issues (Guerin et al., 1996, p. 13).^[3]

Goals of Restructuring:

“Structural alterations for symptom relief and a focus on bringing to the surface the emotional process that occurs within triangles. It gives therapeutic access to the underlying individual and dyadic processes that have been driving the presenting symptom” (Guerin, et al., 1996, p. 18).^[4]

• Subtypes of Triadic Restructuring:
  • Relational Triadic Restructuring: focus on three-person relationships in vivo
  • Symbolic-relational restructuring: focus on individual or dynamics in triad not physically present

Techniques:

• Techniques of expected-transactive restructuring
• Interpretation and linking Transference-Past relationships (T-P)
• Transference-Current relationships
• Transference-Current relationships-Past relationships (T-C-P) (Sifneos, Malan, Davanloo)
• Empathic validation (Kohut, 1971)
• Encouragement to elaborate

References

1. ↑ Guerin, P. J., Fogarty, T. F., Fay, L. F., & Kautto, J. G. (1996). Working with relational triangles: The one-two-three of psychotherapy. New York: Guilford Press.
2. ↑ Fogarty, T. (1979). The distancer and the pursuer. The Family, 7(1), 11-16.
3. ↑ Guerin, P. J., Fogarty, T. F., Fay, L. F., & Kautto, J. G. (1996). Working with relational triangles: The one-two-three of psychotherapy. New York: Guilford Press.
4. ↑ Guerin, P. J., Fogarty, T. F., Fay, L. F., & Kautto, J. G. (1996). Working with relational triangles: The one-two-three of psychotherapy. New York: Guilford Press.