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Integrating Cognitive and Existential Treatment Strategies in Psychotherapy With Dependent Patients

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Abstract

A dependent personality orientation is associated with increased risk for a broad array of Axis I and Axis II disorders. Although traditional treatment interventions have modest ameliorative effects on problematic dependency, the multifaceted nature of dependency suggests that integrated treatment strategies may hold more promise than traditional treatment approaches. This article outlines one potentially useful integrated treatment strategy, combining elements of cognitive and existential therapy to alter dependency-related thought, behavior, and emotional responding. Procedures for implementing an integrated cognitive-existential treatment model are outlined, and challenges in use of the model are discussed.

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Correspondence to Robert F. Bornstein.

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Bornstein, R.F. Integrating Cognitive and Existential Treatment Strategies in Psychotherapy With Dependent Patients. J Contemp Psychother 34, 293–309 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-004-2525-7

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