Supervision, Lectures & Workshops

Theoretical Approach

The empirically-supported treatment approach is an integrative approach focusing on contemporary relational psychodynamic approaches and interpersonal (e.g., Benjamin, Sullivan) approaches.  Our empirically supported treatment model has been described in several writings including our recent book (Hewitt et al., 2017) and more briefly in several journal articles (Cheek, Hewitt et al., 2018; Hewitt, 2020). The treatment focuses on relational (both self and other) elements and the focus of treatment is on the dynamic and relational underpinnings of the problematic issues (e.g., perfectionism, dependency) in the context of the individual’s psychosocial development and interpersonal world. The treatment is formulation‐driven; that is, the treatment and interventions are based on the unique and idiosyncratic model of how the individual patient’s problematic issues are manifest, how they arose in the individual’s life, the purpose they served and serve, how they hold the promise of positive outcomes such as belonging, being accepted and loved, and a sense of self-worth and deservedness.

The consultation or supervision is based on both the content and process within treatment and is based on the establishment of a clinical formulation for the patient that will guide the treatment.  Thus, the consultation can focus on the establishment of a formulation or treatment or both.