1. One Move: The Orthogonal Technique for Creating Therapeutic Progress
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One Move: The Orthogonal Technique for Creating Therapeutic Progress
Kathryn Elliott, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT
Director, Anthetic Therapy Center
Lafayette, LA
(337)
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

2. Learning Objectives
After this workshop, participants will be able to identify the core dynamic at the root of client resistance.
After this workshop, participants will be equipped with a new concept, the “orthogonal technique” and be able to explain the term.
After this workshop, participants will be able to list three benefits the client may experience through use of the orthogonal technique.
After this workshop, participants will be able to list three steps used in the protocol of the orthogonal technique.

3. The Presenting Problem: The Therapeutic Impasse
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The Presenting Problem: The Therapeutic Impasse
Impact on Individuals:
Symptoms: Therapeutic Resistance, Depression, Anxiety, Devitalization in Work & Living
Case Example
Impact on Couples: Anaclitic Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Coldness, Devitalization, Reduction in Affection
and Libido
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

4. Neuropsychological Understanding
Neural networks are built and interact between top and bottom and right and left brain
Neuroplasticity of the brain: psychotherapy helps the brain change neural networks by providing optimal empathic
support plus challenging rigid
patterns

5. Anthetic Therapy Explanation: The Core Dynamic at the Root of Impasse and Resistance
We suffer with Fusions (Elliott &
Elliott, 2015)
Fusion: Psychologically welding to a mental element, an emotion, a belief, an external person or entity. When fused, we are unable to change
Case: The Woman Who Lost Track of Time

6. Fusion targets:
Prototypes
Inner Figures
Values
Philosophies of life
Replays
Affective States
Diagnoses

7. Anthetic Therapy One Move: The Orthogonal Technique
Orthogonal: “At right angles to” (handout)
Movement to Another Chair + Looking at Original Figure (Elliott & Elliott, 2015)
Goal: Disengage from
fusions

8. Orthogonal Technique Protocol
Step 1--Let stuck/fused figure blossom
Step 2--One Move: Direct client to move to another chair and look back at the original part speaking
Step 3—Describe, label figure in original chair (Research: consistent with van der Kolk, 2006)
movement in the service of freedom
from fusion and activation of executive self power Experiential Practice

9. Step 4—Orchestrate Inner Figure
Empathy: “I’m so sorry you went
through that. You didn’t deserve that.”
Activation of a Champion Inner
figure: “Never again…..” (Psychoeducation & Releasing Statements) (consistent with van der Kolk’s physical sense of control and selfhood, activates pleasure)
“I am here now. And I will protect you. You and I can never be separated.”
(Consistent with Porges, 2011)
Experiential Practice

10. Benefits of Orthogonal Technique
Connection to a caring, powerful inner figure
You always have a “friendly face”
Inner Freedom from Fusion
Relapse Prevention: Portable Skill Client can use outside the therapy session whenever Fusion gets retriggered

11. References
Elliott, K., & Elliott, J. (2015). Creating Optimal Relationships: Use of the Voltage Concept with Couples. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
Porges, S.W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communiciation, and self-regulation. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
Van der Kolk, B.A. (2006). Clinical implications of neuroscience
research in PTSD. Annals New York Academy of Sciences,
xxxx: 1-17.