Assimilative Integration in Constructivist Psychotherapy

Assimilative integration is discussed in relationship to constructivist psychotherapy. Keeping in mind the assimilative integrationist view that it is important to provide a coherent justification when importing therapy techniques across theoretical orientations, the utilization of three techniques is discussed from a constructivist perspective-using relational countertransference, disputing irrational beliefs, and self-monitoring. The notion of meaning-based practice (MBP) is introduced as a unifying rationale for incorporating nonconstructivist techniques into constructivist therapeutic practice. Examples from a therapy case in which using relational counter-transference, disputing irrational beliefs, and self-monitoring were assimilated into a constructivist perspective are described and analyzed.