Page 75 - JCBP-2-2

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Treating depression using ICP approach

client’s satisfaction with the psychotherapy process. The death has changed. Now, she acknowledges the importance of
client’s feedback suggests that ICP has had a positive accepting things as they are: “I accept things as they are.”
influence across all of the systems, namely, intrapersonal,
interpersonal, professional, and spiritual systems. 3. Discussion
In terms of the intrapersonal system, the client reported The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness
a positive impact of ICP on self-esteem, motivation, and of ICP [11,12] in treating individuals with major depression.
approach goals. With regard to self-esteem, she noted that This study was motivated by recent evidence that supports
ICP had heightened her self-awareness regarding self- the ICP approach [17,18] as an effective intervention for
[19]
worth and the standards she set for herself. She stated, “Now affective disorders . Using a qualitative research design, this
I have a clearer reflection on myself, both the negative and the study delved into the client’s past traumatic experiences, her
positive aspects.” Concerning motivation, the client indicated present circumstances, and her future expectations, which
that ICP had steered her toward prioritizing activities and are often triggers for depression. Before the ICP treatment,
[20]
goals that aligned with her personal aspirations rather than the client was assessed using BDI-II . In accordance with
seeking approval from others. She remarked, “I invest in the ICP claims, the treatment did not exclusively focus on
what I want to do and what’s the best for me.” Moreover, the client’s experiences and interpretations of the present
she underscored that ICP intervention had fostered her events (i.e., maladaptive communication with family and
understanding of the importance of pursuing her individual friends, low self-esteem, lack of motivation at work or school,
goals for her own benefit rather than comparing herself to existential crisis, etc.). It also addressed past experiences (i.e.,
others. She affirmed, “I remind myself of the skills I possess individual’s past relationships with each of the systems).
without the need for competitive comparisons.” She now In accordance with ICP principles, the client’s plans and
recognizes that each individual follows a unique path with expectations for the future in each of the four systems
distinct goals, eliminating the need for comparison. were discussed during the therapy sessions. The client’s
symptoms of major depressive disorders were re-evaluated
Interpersonal relationships are another aspect that has using the BDI-II [20] after the 11 session of ICP. Remarkably,
th
seen notable improvement following ICP. The client attests no depressive symptoms were present in the 2 evaluation,
nd
that, before engaging in psychotherapy, the approval of leading to the client’s successful release from psychotherapy.
others held significant importance for her. However, she now The conclusion of the psychotherapy process was determined
reports having developed healthier relationships with others, by the client’s achievement of internal cohesion.
affirming, “Now my relationships with others are healthier.”
In addition, the client reports having acquired the skills to This case study is not without its limitations, which
establish boundaries and prioritize her own needs, resulting warrant consideration. First, during a segment of the
in an enhanced sense of self-respect and confidence. She clinical interview, we exclusively used the BDI-II as the
acknowledges the individual variability in how people psychodiagnostic assessment tool. Second, we did not use
operate and underscores the importance of accepting and any patient’s laboratory tests, such as thyroid hormones. The
respecting these differences, expressing, “Everyone has their study would have benefited from these additional measures.
own way of functioning, and I need to accept this fact.” 4. Conclusion
Regarding the professional system, a positive change in her This paper provides a detailed description of the ICP
perspective on work performance is reported. On this matter, process in the treatment of a client with major depressive
she declares that she values herself more: “Now I acknowledge disorder. Despite the acknowledged limitations, this case
the great work I do.” Moreover, she says that psychotherapy has study serves as a basis for debate regarding the effectiveness
helped her understand that she has an explorative nature in of ICP as an eclectic approach for treating individuals with
terms of the profession: “It has helped me understand that it is major depression.
ok not to have only one certain profession your whole life.” The
role of ICP is evident in the spiritual system as well, especially Acknowledgments
in relation to the concepts of life and death. The client used
to believe that the truth about life was fluid; unanswered None.
questions made her feel anxious. She reports that ICP has Funding
helped her understand that acceptance is an important aspect
that should follow life. Regarding the concept of death, she None.
reports having experienced difficulties in dealing with the Conflict of interest
loss of her loved ones: “It was difficult to accept the death of
relatives.” With the help of psychotherapy, her perception of The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2024) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcbp.1336