Wish and Overgeneralization Model for Psychotherapy Integration

This article introduces a clinical Wish and Overgeneralization (W&O) Model for dynamic, cognitive and narrative procedures, supported by a metasynthetic study linking cognitive overgeneralization and psychodynamic transference and determining it to be the antithesis of wish - a Luborsky (1988a) transference component. The model emphasizes symptoms and patient core themes: The therapist interprets the conflict between wish and overgeneralization, indicating how it confirms the overgeneralization and sabotages the wish. He helps the patient identify unique outcomes (White & Epston, 1990) for formulation of positive self-statements (Meichenbaum, 1994, 1985, 1977) and proposes an alternative narrative based on a coherent experience. This integrative therapy thus combines insight-oriented and coping strategies.