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 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:

• Defensive Restructuring
  • Intensification of defense (Perls, 1969)