P0355 - Integral self therapy: A novel psychotherapeutic approach for the treatment of depression and anxiety

Abstract

Integral Self Therapy (IST) is a novel transpersonal form of psychotherapy that integrates existential psychotherapy and the work of humanistic psychologists such as Maslow and Rogers, along with eastern meditation and mindfulness techniques.

The theoretical paradigm of IST presupposes a "Universal Self" accessible experientially through meditation, an inherent "intrinsic" self which is similar to the western concept of temperament, and an "extrinsic" self, which has parallels with the Jungian "persona".

IST attempts to balance these psychic structures thereby helping a person transcend existential anxiety

I will present a theoretical overview of IST, practice guidelines, as well as data regarding the use of IST in the treatment of depression and anxiety.