Level I: Intrapsychic Restructuring (IR)
Intrapsychic Restructuring (IR) is the Intrapsychic-Biological Substrate
Definition:
Intrapsychic Restructuring (IR) comprises a large body of treatment techniques and sub-methods (Defensive Restructuring, Cognitive Restructuring, Affective Restructuring, Cognitive-behavioral Restructuring & Neurobiological Restructuring) designed to reorganize and restructure processes/structures/functions that operate within the mind/brain of the individual. Thus, IR operates primarily at Level I (intrapsychic-biological matrix) of the total ecological system and is thus the most microscopic perspective of analysis. Within this level techniques which impact cognitive, relational, and attachment schemata, affective-defensive processes, anxiety regulation, and neurobiological functions.
Function:
To enhance the adaptive processing of the cognitive-affective-defensive operating system within the intrapsychic domain level of the individual.
Goals of Restructuring:
Create enhanced differentiation and integration among components of the intrapsychic system including neurobiological networks, defense-anxiety-affect loops, limbic system regulation etc
- Subtypes of Intrapsychic Restructuring:
- Defensive Restructuring
- Cognitive Restructuring
- Affective Restructuring
- Cognitive-Behavioral Restructuring
- Neurobiological Restructuring
Methods & Techniques:
- Defensive Restructuring: Focus on defensive operations
- Cognitive Restructuring: Focus on cognitive schema, templates, and beliefs
- Affective Restructuring: Focus on affective process and emotional experiencing
- Cognitive-Behavioral Restructuring: Focus on behavioral, cognitive-affective experience and learning
- Neurobiological Restructuring: Focus on neurobiological pathways, states and neurodynamic processes
References
Magnavita, J. J. (2005). Personality-guided relational therapy: A unified approach. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
