Self-narrative reconstruction in emotion-focused therapy: A preliminary task analysis.
This research explored the consolidation phase of emotion-focused therapy (EFT) for depression and studies-through a task-analysis method-how client-therapist dyads evolved from the exploration of the problem to self-narrative reconstruction.



Innovative moments (IMs) were used to situate the process of self-narrative reconstruction within sessions, particularly through reconceptualization and performing change IMs. We contrasted the observation of these occurrences with a rational model of self-narrative reconstruction, previously built.



This study presents the rational model and the revised rational-empirical model of the self-narrative reconstruction task in three EFT dyads, suggesting nine steps necessary for task resolution: (1) Explicit recognition of differences in the present and steps in the path of change; (2) Development of a meta-perspective contrast between present self and past self; (3) Amplification of contrast in the self; (4) A positive appreciation of changes is conveyed; (5) Occurrence of feelings of empowerment, competence, and mastery; (6) Reference to difficulties still present; (7) Emphasis on the loss of centrality of the problem; (8) Perception of change as a gradual, developing process; and (9) Reference to projects, experiences of change, or elaboration of new plans.



Central aspects of therapist activity in facilitating the client's progression along these nine steps are also elaborated.
a University Institute of Maia - ISMAI , Maia , Portugal.|b Center of Psychology , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.
Carla
C
Cunha
a University Institute of Maia - ISMAI , Maia , Portugal.|c CIPsi - Psychology Research Center, Psychotherapy and Psychopathology Research Unit, School of Psychology , University of Minho , Braga , Portugal.
Inês
I
Mendes
c CIPsi - Psychology Research Center, Psychotherapy and Psychopathology Research Unit, School of Psychology , University of Minho , Braga , Portugal.
António P
AP
Ribeiro
d Department of Psychology , York University , Toronto , ON , Canada.
Lynne
L
Angus
d Department of Psychology , York University , Toronto , ON , Canada.
Leslie S
LS
Greenberg
c CIPsi - Psychology Research Center, Psychotherapy and Psychopathology Research Unit, School of Psychology , University of Minho , Braga , Portugal.
Miguel M
0000-0003-2575-7221
MM
Gonçalves
D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D000071441:Emotion-Focused Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D063545:Personal Narratives as Topic; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes
emotion-focused therapy; innovative moments; narrative change; self-narrative reconstruction; task analysis