How ABC Therapy Works

For Individuals:

The therapist and the client work first to map the client’s Internal ABC Circular Pattern. For example, C: negative self talk which leads to low self esteem — which leads to A: depression and/or B: substance abuse  — which leads to A: shame, and B: social withdrawal — which leads to C: more negative self-talk, then more A: depression, more B: withdrawal, and so on.

After the Circular Pattern is well-understood,  the therapy focuses on shifting each of those ABC areas, which begin to elicit positive reactions from each other, creating a positive circular pattern in place of the negative one.

For Couples:
The therapist and the couple map their automatic and repeating Interpersonal Circular Pattern. In a common marital pattern, the husband may try to avoid conflict or express anger by distancing, which leads the wife to think he doesn’t care about her, which leads her to distance or to angrily criticize his distancing, which may lead him to tell himself he’s failing once more, which may push him to distance more, and so forth, around the Circular Pattern.

These circular patterns quickly take on a life of their own since they are non-rational and limbically-driven. As such, they are very destructive both internally with individuals and interpersonally between family members.

By starting with mapping the interrelating areas of people’s experience, ABC Therapy appears to be more effective than either Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) alone.  Historically, CBT has focused on changing thoughts (C) in order to change interpersonal behaviors (B), and EFT has focused primarily on feelings (A)to create a positive emotional experience in the session so that behaviors  (B) change.

ABC Therapy is the first therapeutic approach that includes all three domains of people’s experience. In addition, it does not see any of the three areas as “defensive” or as “resistance”.  By supporting each partner to work in their preferred ABC domain, (their usual and most comfortable way of experiencing the world), it allows them to use their skills in that area initially as they work together with the therapist and each other and become more comfortable in the other domains.

The Trauma of Joblessness: New York Times article

While it’s not exactly news that these are hard times for families, this poll really demonstrates the profound impact of this recession:

How Joblessness Affects Families

Married (Happily) With Issues

Click this link for an excellent and funny article about what doesn’t work in marital therapy and how to rethink your options, both in your therapy and in your marriage.            http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/magazine/06marriage-t.html

Radio Interview Explaining ABCTherapy

Click here to listen to my recent radio interview in which I explain how and why ABCTherapy is so effective for couples in conflict.

Using Affect, Behavior, and Cognition to Create Rapid and Lasting Change

I have been fine-tuning ABC Therapy, (ABCT), using it with individuals, couples, and families for over 5 years. It is essentially a new model of psychotherapy, combining aspects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT).

ABCT sessions focus on client communication patterns. These patterns are made up of the interplay between Affect, Behavior, and Cognition. (In plain English, of course, these are Feelings, Actions, and Thinking.)

I work with clients to develop an actual map of their interactive processes, both internal and interpersonal. We look together at their experience in all three ABC areas to learn how each one of those areas affects and is affected by the other two.

Once we have developed this map, we have a clear picture of the repeating circular pattern in which they are stuck and which has brought them in for therapy.  Having this clearly defined, client-driven map gives us multiple entry points into the Pattern to shift it from a vicious cycle to a virtuous cycle.

With Individuals:
ABC Therapy maps an individual’s internal and interpersonal Pattern. For example, negative self-talk, which can lead to low self esteem, which can lead to depression or substance abuse, which can lead to shame and social withdrawal, which can lead to more negative self-talk, to lower self esteem, etc.

With Couples:
ABC  Therapy maps the Repeating Circular Pattern between the two partners. In one very common marital pattern, the husband may try to avoid conflict by distancing, which can lead the wife to think he doesn’t care, which can lead her to criticize his distancing, which can lead him to tell himself he’s failing once more, which can push him to distance more, and so forth, around and around.

These Circular Patterns quickly take on a life of their own since they are non-rational and emotionally driven. As such, they are very hard to change without coaching and are quite destructive to both individuals and to their relationship.

By focusing on all three areas of people’s experience: Feelings, Actions, and Thoughts,  ABC Therapy appears to be more effective and efficient with couples than CBT and equally as effective as EFT.  CBT has traditionally employed  cognitive and behavioral interventions to alter marital interactional patterns that are essentially driven by intense emotions.  EFT has worked to drop below defensive thinking and behavior to help people focus on and express feelings. Each model is good as far as it goes, but ABC Therapy is better because it is the first therapy that includes all three domains of people’s experience. In addition, it does not see any of the three areas as defensive or as resistance.  By initially affirming each person in their preferred ABC area, it enhances their willingness to engage in therapy while they gain more comfort in the other areas.

Therapist Reviews of ABCTherapy Workshops

- “Stephen Hawthorne is a master teacher and family therapist who opens the heart of emotion with gentleness and good humor.”  – Theresa Yuschok, M.D.

- “The video demonstrations and discussion about each section really clarified the therapy approach.”

- “The presentation was clear, concise, and very helpful.”

- “The small group setting was very good.”

- “I liked the variety of media and experiential practice.”

- “Stephen’s sincerity and rapport with the group was excellent.”

- “The video was very helpful to see the ABC model in action.”

- “I really liked Stephen’s compassionate and elegant approach.  Thanks!”

- “I enjoyed everything!”

- “Great workshop!”

- “I appreciated Stephen’s demeanor in presenting:  humorous and laid back; the role playing and discussion afterward; his years of experience and direct, concise presentation; the location and facility were great; the video examples of the couple and the therapy approach were great; lots of important nuggets.”

———ABC Therapy Workshop Registration——

“INCREASING YOUR IMPACT WITH COUPLES”

Next Date To Be Announced

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PRESENTED BY STEPHEN HAWTHORNE, LCSW

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Once you have registered, you will receive an email that includes directions to the workshop and more information about the day.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at  919-489-3907

PAYMENT:
The fee for the workshop is $120.  (With the 15% discount for NASW Members, the fee is: $102)

To receive the discount, enter your NASW Membership Number here:________________

Bring a colleague and the total for both participants is $200, for NASW: $184.
Bring two colleagues and the total for all three is $270, for NASW: $215.

Print a separate form for each participant and submit all joint enrollments and checks in the same envelope.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

There are a limited number of reduced rate places open to students and retired or low-income persons.

Please email me for more information:  Stephen@StephenHawthorneLCSW.com

Mail this completed form with your check to:

Stephen Hawthorne, LCSW, 1106 W Cornwallis Road, Suite 103, Durham, NC 27705-5748

If you cancel for hardship reasons at least seven days before the workshop, your fee will be refunded less a $30 administrative charge.