What does “integration” refer to?

Integration within the context of the Integrative Client-Centered Model (ICCM) has two meanings.

Most importantly, in the ICCM, “integration” refers to the integration of the body, mind, and relationships, recognizing that all three influence each other. Within the “body”, integration refers to the harmonizing of the multiple regions of the brain, and also of the body with the brain. The influence on client decision making can be harmonizing or disharmonizing.

Since a client-centered approach focuses on clients making their own choices (autonomy), a key role for the counselor is to support optimal decision making. Clients make the best decisions when their emotional and relational needs are as fully supported as possible. Supporting a client facilitates them in bringing all of the relational, neural, electrical, chemical, and other body systems online and into harmony to maximize the functioning of the mind. A little more simply, by increasing integration of various body systems, a person reduces the likelihood a single, and potentially suboptimal, brain-body system will dominate decision making, such as the fight-flight-freeze (FFF) system.

Secondly, and like many current models, the ICCM “integrates” a variety of perspectives and theories, including Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and the Dynamic Maturational Model of Attachment and Adaptation (DMM) (both IPNB and the DMM are integrative theories), Diagnostic Service Manual (DSM), International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Family Systems, Gottman Institute relationship concepts, High Conflict Theory (HCT), and clerical theory.

The ICCM integrates legal-negotiation-mediation theory, including the many works from the Harvard Project on Negotiation (PON), and various client-centered theories, including Carl Rogers’ client (or person) centered theory, Binder’s legal client-centered theory, and Transformational Mediation (TM) theory.

The ICCM integrates a variety of psychological, motivational, and educational theories, including attachment theory, psychodynamic theory, Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Theory (DBT), Cognitive Analytic Theory (CAT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Positive Psychology, Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and sports motivation theory.

The ICCM integrates research-based science models such as the rejection-aggression connection, the Polyvagal Theory (PVT), modern emotion theory, bully and domestic violence research. The ICCM also integrates a variety of listening models, including active listening, reflective listening, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and a variety of mindfulness theories including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).

The ICCM is based on disciplines such as biology, neurobiology, biobehavioral and affective neuroscience, psychology, human development, sociology, education, marketing, economics, and political science.