The Key Aims in Therapy

Written By James Nole

This is a list of 12 aims or goals of therapy, specifically relational psychotherapy or relational psychodynamic therapy.  These twelve principles are derived from Roy Barsness’ Core Competencies of Relational Psychoanalysis (2018).  

  1.  Increased capacity to feel the full range of human emotion, and hold multiple affective states

  2. Increased access to multiple aspects of the Self, without shame

  3. Increased ability to comfort and self-sooth

  4. Increased ability to accept responsibility

  5. The ability to tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty

  6. Ability to be more truthful with one’s self

  7. The ability to think more creatively about one’s past, rather than recreate and repeat it

  8. Relief from internal constraints or beliefs that have become problematic

  9. A more imaginative and creative mind

  10. Increased capacity to love and to work, self-efficacy

  11. The ability to engage in more meaningful and restorative relationships 

  12. Hope

James Nole

James Nole, MA, LMHC, Certified Hypnotherapist is a Seattle-based licensed mental health counselor specializing in trauma, Complex PTSD, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), depression, grief, and couples therapy. His approach is rooted in Existential and Relational Psychodynamic frameworks, drawing on psychoanalytic, humanistic, somatic, and clinical hypnosis traditions. James earned his Master's degree in Psychology from Seattle University's Existential and Phenomenological Psychology program and has completed advanced training in Relationally-Focused Psychodynamic Therapy through the Contemporary Psychodynamic Institute, Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT Level 2), Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR Level 3), and Clinical Hypnosis. He is a member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD). As a visually impaired therapist with lived experience of disability, grief, and recovery, James brings both professional expertise and deep personal understanding to his work. He sees clients in person at his Pioneer Square office (401 2nd Ave S., Suite 750-3, Seattle, WA 98104) and via tele-health throughout Washington State. To learn more or schedule a free 20-minute consultation, visit jamesnoletherapy.com or call (206) 488-5543.

https://www.jamesnoletherapy.com/contact
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12 Key Aims in Relational Psychodynamic Therapy
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