Intrapsychic Restructuring (IR)

Intrapsychic Restructuring (IR) is the Intrapsychic-Biological 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:

To enhance adaptive responses at the intrapsychic level of operation.

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: 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

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