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POST-SOVIET EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOTHERAPY: MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF A. ALEKSEICHIK’S “INTENSIVE THERAPEUTIC LIFE” METHOD
Abstract
The aim of this research was to analyze and systematize complex data of qualitative research on purpose to determine substantial and peculiar traits of A.Alekseichik’s “Intensive Therapeutic Life (ITL)” method. Goals of research: 1) discuss A.AlekseichkвЂs impact on (post)Soviet psychotherapy, 2) to present theoretical background and basic concepts of ITL, 3) to discern specific ways of therapist’s work during therapeutic process according to ITL. Paper is based on qualitative research which consist of analysis of 1) A.AlekseichikвЂs writings and various (scientific, journalistic, documentary) texts about ITL, 2) observational data from A.AlekseichikвЂs individual, group and community psychotherapy. Data analysis method: qualitative content analysis. The results of research showed that A.Alekseichik was/is one of the most prominent personalities in soviet/postsoviet psychotherapy. Although ITL is related with existential philosophy and psychotherapy, has some specific influences (most tangible is the influence of orthodox (Eastern Christian) thinkers ideas and, so called, orthodox psychotherapy). Main category of ITL is Life as primal process, which encompass all, as well as, eternity and nothingness. Life is common subsistence of person’s physical, psychical and spiritual processes, which penetrates and converts to common being with other people and the world. Therapist creates particular space, time and conditions which spur and foster exertion of healing power of life. Therapist uses some specific ways of work that make psychotherapy similar to real life and more charged, intense. Although ITL is suitable for individual therapy and small groups, it works best in large groups and therapeutic community. This research is the one of the first thorough analysis of ITL (first one presented for Western auditory) as psychotherapy system, settled and developed in (post) soviet area, which proposes the way for orthodox psychotherapy.
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