The repeated emotional sequence linking feeling, anxiety, defense, symptom, and relational consequence across the client's life.
Step-by-step guide
- Collect several episodes
- Identify the repeated feeling
- Identify the repeated anxiety channel
- Identify the repeated defense
- Name the symptom or relational cost
- Formulate the sequence with the client
When to use
- After enough material has accumulated
- When multiple complaints share one dynamic pattern
- When treatment focus needs consolidation
Key phrases
The same sequence keeps repeating here.
Follow-up questions
What is the feeling each time?
What happens after the defense appears?
Alternative phrasings
This is not many problems; it is one dynamic sequence.
Let us put the sequence into words.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not over-formulate before enough evidence
- ⚠️ Do not make the sequence too abstract
- ⚠️ Check the formulation with the client
Source: Davanloo, H. ISTDP teaching tradition
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.