Page 21 - JCBP-3-4

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics A review of balancing psychotherapy

client, fostering a sense of security within the therapeutic problems. And learning a set of target thoughts, beliefs,
environment. “Conforming” involves balancing the client’s and questions of coping skills. 31,32
emotions, so that negative emotions are acknowledged and While BPT and CBT share cognitive foundations, CBT
understood. “Maintaining” emphasizes emotional neutrality, constitutes only a part of BPT and does not represent
balance, and impartiality. “Melting” encourages empathy its complete theoretical basis. There are a number of
and emotional resonance, fostering mutual understanding differences between BPT and CBT.
between therapist and client. “Breaking” aims to inspire
the client to break maladaptive defense mechanisms, From the perspective of basic theory, both therapies
facilitating self-discovery and the pursuit of a new healthier emphasize cognition; however, their theoretical emphases
psychological balance. “Repairing” and “smoothing” support diverge. CBT centers on identifying and correcting distorted
the internalization of therapeutic insights, enabling clients cognitions that contribute to psychological conflict. Its goal
to learn, discover, and accept their sense of self. Finally, is to help clients recognize maladaptive thoughts and replace
“harmonizing” signifies both the conclusion of therapy them with more constructive alternatives. In contrast,
33
and the beginning of the client’s independent exploration BPT introduces a novel cognitive paradigm rooted in the
of a new life. The eight themes of BPT are interconnected, concept of balance psychology. Here, “balance” is a relative,
29
forming a stepwise therapeutic progression. Based on these philosophical concept that has its own unique characteristics. 5
themes, experimental paradigms for both individuals and In terms of the treatment process, BPT covers a broader,
GBPT have been developed, as shown in Tables 2 and 3.
integrative theoretical framework influenced by traditional
3.2. Differences between BPT and CBT Oriental culture. Therefore, although BPT retains a
structured therapeutic process, it is not as rigid as CBT
CBT is a structured, short-term psychological treatment and draws upon both case conceptualization techniques
based on the cognitive behavioral model. The patient and cultural principles. BPT does not only offer symptom
works with the therapist to identify the types and alleviation but also long-term self-improvement and self-
functions of emotions, beliefs, and thoughts related to 4
the current symptoms, emotional states, or explanation of healing after treatment.
the problem. Learn to recognize, monitor, and eliminate Gao made the first attempt to study GBPT and
25
30
false thoughts and beliefs related to target symptoms and group CBT (GCBT) in a controlled experiment involving
Table 2. The experimental paradigm of individual BPT
Session Theme Details
1 Foundations of balance Introduce the basics, establish a trusting relationship, provide an initial introduction to BPT, and set up
treatment goals.
2 Understanding balance Explore the concept of balance, success stories, and philosophical reflections. Interpret balanced
aphorisms to inspire the clients to realize the crux of their psychological problems.
Homework: Write down how the concept of balance applies to your life.
3 Symptom analysis through balance The clients describe the specific symptoms they are experiencing at home, and the therapist guides the
process to specifically analyze the causes of the imbalance and improve self-confidence.
Homework: Record imbalances in your life and analyze their causes.
4 Setting balanced goals Review the first two assignments as a whole and guide the client to set up specific, realistic life goals in
life and actionable steps.
Homework: Record your goals and their completion.
5 Balanced sand tray technique Introduce sand tray therapy to comprehend the mental defense mechanisms and the flow of the
subconscious mind.
Homework: Feel and record your subconscious thoughts.
6 Balanced painting technique Use self-portrait and mandala painting techniques to discover the root cause of imbalances, achieve
dialog with the subconscious mind, and realize the unity of the mind.
Homework: Continuous use of mandala painting for relaxation.
7 Balanced relaxation technique Teach and practice positive thinking meditation for relaxation and encourage responding to the
experience rather than thinking.
Homework: Practice meditation consistently.
8 Review and conclusions Review what the client has gained in the previous seven sessions, fill out a balanced feedback sheet, and
sort out the client’s treatment insights.
Abbreviations: BPT: Balancing psychotherapy.

Volume 3 Issue 4 (2025) 15 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.8288