The brief strategic approach is not concerned with a theory that can succinctly describe the concepts of normality and abnormality, or with an all-embracing theory of “human nature”.

Rather, it is tied to the constructivist philosophy of knowledge, which is concerned with the appropriate means of making the individual’s relationship with “reality” more functional.

From such a theoretical perspective, the efficacy of therapy is represented by the resolution of the patient’s problem.

We believe that a problem can be understood and overcome only through active and practical results, and not through mere observation which produces hypotheses based on a priori knowledge.

The difference is between getting to know a problem through observation and getting to know a problem through change.

This led us to progressively develop rigorous yet self-corrective strategic protocols for each specific studied disorder.

The protocols are simple guidelines, which are far from being rigid and preordained.

Protocols or strategic interventions are designed in a way that allows self-correction at any point in the therapy, since we are aware that the only way to really get to know a particular problem is through its solution.

Thus, our protocols are always subjected to modifications and evolutions, continuously undergoing adjustments to fit each single case.

This means that each step of the therapy is adjusted according to the patient’s reaction to the specific technique.

Techniques used during the session, or prescribed at the end of the session, mobilize change but also help the therapist confirm or disconfirm the hypothesis made regarding the type of problem presented.

The active promotion of change through the use of specific flexible protocols makes this model a brief form of psychotherapy, capable of having a person, a couple or a family rapidly and completely overcome a problem in a usual time span of 8-20 sessions.

Furthermore, the concept of “recovery” does not entail a complete absence of problems, but rather the overcoming of a specific problem experienced by the patient in a specific timeframe and context of his/her life.

We consider a case resolved and treatment completely successful only when the disappearance of symptoms and problems at the end of therapy is maintained over time, without relapses or substitution of new symptoms replacing the original ones.

Therapy has three follow-up sessions, arranged after three months, six months, and one year after the end of treatment. The follow-up sessions are conducted as interviews directly with the patient and his family or partner.

 

For further information please refer to specific sections:

» Commonly treated psychological problems

» Anxiety and Phobias - Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety, Social Phobia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Specific Phobias (of animals, objects, situations, etc.), Hypochondria

» Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD)

» Eating Disorders - Bulimia, Binge Eating, Anorexia, Vomiting Syndrome

» Depression - in all its forms

» Presumed Psychosis

» Paranoia

» Relational problems - in family, work and general relationship contexts

» Couple/Marital problems

» Sexual disorders - Erectile Disorders, Premature Ejaculation, Vaginismus and Dyspareunia, Desire related disorders

» Childhood and adolescence problems – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Provocative-Oppositional disorder, Elective Mutism, Avoidance, Anxiety, Phobias

» Internet related disorders – internet addiction disorder (IAD) including: information overloading, compulsive on-line shopping, on-line gambling, on-line trading, chat, cybersex