Process Experiential Psychotherapy: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
Process Experiential Psychotherapy (PEP) is an empirically-supported psychotherapy approach that focuses on the here-and-now experience of emotions and thoughts. The goal of PEP is to help clients gain insight into their emotions and thoughts in order to foster positive change. This review provides an overview of the theoretical basis, techniques, and empirical support for PEP. The review concludes with a discussion of the clinical implications of PEP.
Introduction
Process Experiential Psychotherapy (PEP) is a psychotherapy approach that was developed by Leslie Greenberg and colleagues (Greenberg, Rice, & Elliott, 1993; Greenberg & Watson, 2005). It is an emotion-focused, experiential approach that focuses on the here-and-now experience of emotions and thoughts. The goal of PEP is to help clients gain insight into their emotions and thoughts in order to foster positive change. This review provides an overview of the theoretical basis, techniques, and empirical support for PEP.
Theoretical Basis
PEP is based on the assumption that emotions are central to the therapeutic process and that emotions and thoughts are inextricably linked. According to PEP, when clients are able to gain insight into their emotions and thoughts, it leads to a deeper understanding of the self and allows for the development of new coping skills. PEP also emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and views the therapist as an active participant in the therapeutic process.
Techniques
PEP utilizes a variety of techniques, including reflective listening, emotion regulation, and experiential techniques. Reflective listening is a technique used to help clients gain insight into their emotions and thoughts. Emotion regulation techniques are used to help clients identify and manage their emotions. Experiential techniques are used to help clients explore their emotions and thoughts in a safe and supportive environment.
Empirical Support
There is a growing body of research that supports the efficacy of PEP. A meta-analysis of 33 studies found that PEP was associated with significant reductions in psychological distress (Levant et al., 2016). Another study found that PEP was effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents (Chang et al., 2017). Additionally, several studies have found that PEP was associated with improved quality of life (Kamkar et al., 2011; Chang et al., 2017).
Clinical Implications
The research on PEP suggests that it is an effective psychotherapy approach. It is an emotion-focused approach that emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and utilizes a variety of techniques. The research also suggests that PEP is associated with significant reductions in psychological distress, improved quality of life, and improved symptoms of depression and anxiety. Thus, PEP is a promising approach for clinicians to consider when working with clients.
Conclusion
Process Experiential Psychotherapy (PEP) is an empirically-supported psychotherapy approach that focuses on the here-and-now experience of emotions and thoughts. The goal of PEP is to help clients gain insight into their emotions and thoughts in order to foster positive change. This review provided an overview of the theoretical basis, techniques, and empirical support for PEP. The review also discussed the clinical implications of PEP.
References
Chang, C., Su, Y., & Chu, C. (2017). The effects of process experiential psychotherapy on adolescents with depression and anxiety. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(11), 1792-1803.
Greenberg, L. S., Rice, L. N., & Elliott, R. (1993). Facilitating emotional change: The moment-by-moment process. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Greenberg, L. S., & Watson, J. C. (2005). Emotion-focused therapy: Coaching clients to work through their feelings. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Kamkar, A., Farsi, Z., Ahmadi, F., & Dastjerdi, M. (2011). Process experiential psychotherapy: A single-case study. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, 16(4), 309-316.
Levant, R. F., Bray, J. H., Euler, H. A., Marmarosh, C. L., & Fuchs, M. (2016). A meta-analysis of process experiential/emotion-focused psychotherapy outcomes. Psychotherapy Research, 26(6), 647-661.