TLP: computer-assisted brief therapy
- Identifying Stress Related Problems, Conflicts & Symptoms
- Clarifying Goals and Focusing on Action
- Thinking Through the Consequences of Taking Action
- Uncovering Hidden Motives, Fears of Failure & Success
- Exploring Anger & Guilt as Obstacles to Action
- Confronting Issues of Self Esteem
- Examining Old Detrimental Patterns of Behavior
- Understanding the History of Self-doubts
- Analyzing a Current Incident Involving a Self-doubt
- Evaluating the Changes Experienced during the Course
The Stages of Behavior Change
Stage 1: Building Motivation
Stage 2: Exploring Options
Stage 3: Reducing Irrational Fear
Stage 4: Managing Self Image
It is a complex Cognitive/Emotional process that requires a partial transformation of the individual’s world view.
Stage 1: Building Motivation
Clarifying commitment to change behavior
From: “My current behavior is good enough.”
To: “I am motivated to try new behavior.”
The individual must move to a level of “believable” mindfulness in order to overcome the inertia of mindless automatic behavior. Through internal conversations one can achieve the insight necessary to overcome the dynamic denial processes at work.
Stage 2: Exploring Options
Understanding the power of choice
From: “There are no attractive options to my current behavior.”
To: “There are viable options that I can choose from.”
By acknowledging that reality affords options and that choices can be made, the intention to act becomes strengthened. There is a shift of the locus of control and the individual is empowered by recognizing the alternatives.
Stage 3: Reducing Irrational Fear
Acknowledging ungrounded constructs
From: “There is considerable danger or discomfort in changing my behavior.”
To: “At least one of the options I am considering is a reasonable risk.”
When erroneous thinking contaminates reality testing there is a reluctance to act. It is common for the individual to “give away” their own power and authority. It is important to regain perspective and self-determination.
Stage 4: Managing Self Image
Recognizing false labeling
From: “If I change it will expose a vulnerable part of me.”
To: “The new me represented by the new behavior is more mature and healthy.”
Even small changes in behavior can upset an individual’s balance of self-protective and defensive mechanisms. This disruption and fear of re-definition of self can cause the individual to feel overly vulnerable.
