A Therapeutic Approach Embraces Imperfection

The realization that there is no perfection in being human can benefit both the clinician and the client in the therapeutic process. A leading trainer in the Post-Induction Therapy (PIT) model says she particularly likes that clinicians who gravitate to this approach will tend to apply it to their own lives as well as to those of their patients.

Sarah Bridge, LCSW, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based clinical trainer and a senior clinical adviser at The Meadows, will present a guide to implementing PIT on Feb. 20 at the Science & Spirit Summit: An NCAD Meeting in Scottsdale. The model is based on the pioneering work of Pia Mellody in creating strategies to identify and address underlying trauma that she sees as central to codependency, addictions and other problematic behaviors.

Bridge, who has more than 30 years of experience in working with trauma survivors, says the concepts behind PIT are accessible to clinicians in part because they speak to issues with which all people struggle. Even individuals whom she terms “doubly blessed” with core strengths and family support will from time to time battle with issues around:

• Self-esteem.

• Healthy interpersonal boundaries.

• Being “perfectly imperfect.”

• Self-care.

• Moderation/containment.

The therapeutic approach is designed to help the patient be more aware of what is happening in the moment, says Bridge. It's about being mindful of what's happening internally and managing the situation from a functional rather than dysfunctional place.

For the patient with a substance use disorder, for example, the situation could involve becoming more aware of a state of regressing and being able to respond accordingly. “So I'm not going to go get high because of what's happening at work, but instead I'm going to say, 'Hey, whoa. I can handle this,'” says Bridge.

Flexible uses

The PIT approach is seen as having applicability to a number of therapeutic schools, from cognitive-behavioral to 12-Step to family systems work. “My approach has been eclectic, and PIT is almost the eclectic practitioner's model,” Bridge says.

The relevance of the concepts to both the clinician and the client can help accelerate treatment and build trust, she says. “You're showing them, 'I'm in there with you too,'” Bridge says. “It speaks to people. Clients move through the process so much quicker.” It's about rolling up one's sleeves and getting things done, she suggests.

Bridge's session at the Feb. 20-22 Science & Spirit is titled “A Clinician's Guide to Implementing Post-Induction Therapy in Everyday Practice.” She says she wants to leave attendees with these takeaways:

• “I want them to get this idea that every human doesn't walk around 24/7 in a functional adult ego state,” she says. If that happens about two-thirds of the time, that can still serve as a foundation for a healthy recovery.

• An understanding that when normal emotions go to extremes, that is indicative of trauma. Feeling angry or irritated can turn into feelings of rage, or shame that can be relational can morph into feelings of worthlessness. In families, “Children will soak up that energy and will start acting out the parent's reality,” Bridge says.

Attendees at the Science & Spirit Summit will investigate new research, discuss evolving treatment concepts, and recognize different cultural perspectives to create effective and innovative treatment plans. ;