Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy as an Integrative Approach

This article presents theoretical considerations on integrative psychotherapy and the integration of Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy (PPT) within the integrative approach, and describes the specific features of the PPT approach. The general principles of the integrative approach are presented, such as a) positive expectation; b) therapeutic alliance; c) awareness deepening; d) corrective experiences; e) reality testing. It also depicts the main characteristics of integrative psychotherapy, which consist of common therapeutic factors and an individualised approach to the patient. In addition, the main models of integrative psychotherapy were presented, which include: a) eclecticism, b) an approach based on common therapeutic factors, c) theoretical integration, and d) assimilative integration. Finally, the relationships between PPT and the main integrative schools were analysed, and a list of theoretical constructs common to PPT and other schools of psychotherapy, as well as constructs characteristic of PPT alone, was compiled. The author attempts to characterise PPT as a method with its own unique identity, which consists of: a) theory of actual capabilities and microtraumas, b) theory of psychodynamic conflicts, c) structural models of the therapeutic process and relationship and individual personality, d) strategic therapy planning, and e) cultural sensitivity. The author also emphasises that PPT demonstrates flexibility in assimilating selected theoretical concepts and practical tools within its own metamodel.