Relational Patterns, Therapeutic Presence presents a comprehensive integrative theory and style of therapeutic involvement that reflects a relational and non-pathological perspective.

Containing work from the course of Richard Erskine's career, this book provides an essential introduction to developmentally-based, relationally-focused integrative psychotherapy. The methods described are contact based, profoundly respectful, developmentally attuned, co-constructive, and intersubjective. Rather than a theoretical integration of therapeutic concepts and techniques, Erskine focusses on the concept of internal integration-a convergence of physiology, affect, and cognition so that behaviour is by choice of the current contacts, and not simulated by fear, compulsion, or conditioning. This Classic Edition includes a new prelude by the author.

Written in a conversational style, Relational Patterns, Therapeutic Presence will be essential reading for psychotherapists in practice and in training.

Richard G. Erskine, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, licensed psychoanalyst, certified transactional analyst, and group psychotherapist. He specialized in the treatment of clients with early affect confusion, dissociation, obsession, narcissism, and schizoid processes.