From Fragmentation to Connection: A Qualitative Exploration of How Internal Cohesion Psychotherapy Reshapes Relationships
摘要
Relationships are central to mental health, functioning both as sources of support and as contributors to distress. Within this spectrum, family dynamics play a particularly formative role. This study explored the perceived effectiveness of Internal Cohesion Psychotherapy, a novel integrative framework, in addressing interpersonal dynamics. Twenty participants (15 females, 5 males; M age = 25.7 years) who had completed a minimum of four sessions participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis yielded four themes. First, participants described shifting from external conflict to greater internal balance through improved self-worth, self-compassion, and emotional regulation. Second, they reported redefining boundaries and roles, nurturing healthier autonomy. Third, they highlighted temporal integration, characterized by reinterpreting past wounds, moving beyond old fixations, and orienting toward future goals. Finally, change was described as ongoing and dynamic rather than linear. Overall, the findings suggest that, through its systemic structure and temporal focus, Internal Cohesion Psychotherapy may be a promising approach for addressing relational dynamics.