Therapy with a map : a cognitive analytic approach to helping relationships

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

1 Conversational Mapping

2 Relationship Mapping

3 Narrative Mapping

4 Process Mapping

5 Learning to Map and Talk

6 Writing and the therapeutic voice

7 Relational awareness

8 Relational healing

9 Beginning therapy

10 What to do in the middle of therapy

11 Ending therapy

A therapeutic relationship is a web of interactions, tasks and processes in space and time. It is not easy to stay aware of the relationship in the thick of talking and trying to help someone, but doing so boosts flexibility and enables deeper formulation. A therapist who can be attentive not only to a specific therapeutic model, but also to relational factors underlying all therapy, has a far greater chance of enabling change. Building on thirty years of theory and practice in the field of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), yet speaking directly to practitioners across all schools of thought, Therapy with a Map sets out a therapeutic process of talking accompanied by visual conversation maps set down in real time on paper. By mapping these patterns of thinking and relating, therapists can help clients to develop self-understanding and solve problems, and to take away a freer, more self-aware relationship with themselves in the world.
Therapy with a Map sets out a therapeutic process of talking accompanied by visual conversation maps set down in real time on paper. Like all maps, these help us to find our way, notice when we are lost, track our route and survey the wider landscape. The book uses mapping to introduce the tools and concepts of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), along with other relational, conversational and narrative approaches. By mapping patterns of thinking and relating, therapists can help clients to develop self-understanding, solve problems, and take away a freer, more self-aware relationship with themselves in the world.