Coherence therapy and memory reconsolidation

Domain VI · Brief, integrative, trauma, hypnosis & coaching · Bruce Ecker, Laurel Hulley · 1996

What it is

What it is: an experiential, constructivist psychotherapy, first published in 1996 as Depth Oriented Brief Therapy (DOBT) and renamed Coherence Therapy in 2005. Ecker and colleagues later argued that its change process matches the steps neuroscience identifies for memory reconsolidation, and…

Format

• Integration: repeated in-session and between-session experiences of the psp until the client "owns" it with steady awareness. Can take one session or several, often days to weeks. A well-integrated schema is a ripe target. Cue Card rule: "Not too soon!" (do not start transformation before…
• Transformation: guide juxtaposition and repeat it. About half the time juxtaposition occurs spontaneously during integration; the therapist must recognise and use it.

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve intense or unusual breathing? Have you been told about the medical conditions for which that is not advised?
• How do you and the practitioner understand what is happening, in spiritual or cultural terms? Is that a source of comfort, worry, or both?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• moves toward self-criticism; keep the tone curious.
• intense affect (e.g. rage) peaking and then settling is expected; stay steady.
• the difference is often a person, a role or a perceived danger; that is the lead.
• the client disowning the psp ("that's just my stupid side"); return to its purpose.
• a strong reaction (head shake, laughter, swearing, tears) is data either way; follow it.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.