Transformative Relationships: The Control Mastery Theory of Psychotherapy

by George Silberschatz (Editor)

The control-mastery theory, developed by Dr. Joseph Weiss over the second half of the twentieth century, is an attempt to integrate an understanding of how the mind works, how psychopathologies develop, and how psychotherapy can effectively help. Control-Mastery theory assumes that the patient's problems are rooted in the grim, constricting pathogenic beliefs that the patient acquires in the traumatic experiences of childhood. The driving force behind the psychotherapeutic process is the patient's conscious and unconscious desire to recover the capacity to pursue life goals by gaining control and mastering self destructive patterns of thoughts and behaviors. Underlying this theory is the conception that the client structures (both consciously and unconsciously) the psychotherapeutic process in order to clearly and quickly address her own goals. Following this line of thought, the practitioner must be able to identify a client's aims, respond to and encourage these thoughts, and develop a strategic therapeutic plan to effectively address the needs and wants of each individual. This book aims to present the control-mastery theory in a more accessible format, and introduce it to a wider audience, expanding the scope of the theory beyond simply a comparison to Freudian analysis. The text presents an integrated cognitive-psychodynamic-relational approach to therapy, addressing issues surrounding psychopathology and pathogenic constructions. Organized into three distinct sections, the book first considers theoretical underpinnings before moving into in-depth discussions of clinical and practical application of these valuable therapeutic tools and techniques, drawing heavily on detailed descriptions of entire therapy sessions. The final section of the book covers current and developing empirical research, presenting convincing arguments in support of the theory and practice earlier discussed. The editor has extensive research and clinical experience with both the conceptual and practical aspects of the theory, and has worked with Joseph Weiss and Hal Sampson - the two pioneers of the control-mastery approach - who each contributes a chapter to the book. Transformative Relationships advances this integrative approach to therapy beyond its current scope, introducing these valuable concepts and techniques to a wider audience of practitioners of all backgrounds.

264 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Eric Engleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Silberschatz has updated one of the most pivotal psychotherapeutic theories, Control Mastery Theory. His book Transformative Relationships takes CMT and updates it outside of the psycho-analytic tradition into the modern era. Essentially, he seeks to create a pragmatic model for practitioners to be able to successfully apply CMT to their patients. It’s also an easy read for lay-people like myself.

His theory has a few points.

Safety & Danger - Our patterns are designed to keep us safe and prevent us from being exposed to danger. The problem is that growing up with dysfunction means that individual’s get the safety and danger mislabeled. One develops pathogenic behaviors to stay “safe.
Progress Oriented - Because these pathogenic behaviors are painful we seek out a solution. We seek solutions eventually seeking them with a therapist.
Therapist As Roleplay - Essentially, the patient seeks to re-examine these pathogenic behaviors with a therapist with the ultimate goal of finding more healthy appropriate behaviors. With the therapist the individual test these solutions either by transference or passive-into active tests. If the therapist passes the tests, the patient will evaluate the new solutions and perhaps integrate them.

A very interesting application of theory. Countless cases ranging from alcoholism, illness, death, and restrictive religions are evaluated with the Control Mastery Theory in mind.

It’s an interesting paradigm for yourself and for interacting with others for certain situations. For myself, how did my upbringing create models that are pathogenic. For example, how did my conservative Protestant upbringing prevent me from truly enjoying myself (I did go windsurfing yesterday which was a real joy!) Or how are others “testing” me with transference or passive-into active tests? Am I supposed to take on the role of their judgemental father? Their narcissistic brother? As a meditation instructor I sometimes felt others projecting into me. Now I know why and how I can help them.