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Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics A review of balancing psychotherapy

Table 3. The experimental paradigm of GBPT
Session Theme Details
1 Foundations of balance Group members introduce themselves and establish a trusting relationship. Initial introduction to BPT.
Work together to develop group rules and set treatment goals.
2 Understanding balance Introduce the content of balanced psychology to depression. Explore the concept of balance, interpret
the aphorisms of balance, and inspire members to grasp the concepts of degree and relationship.
Homework: Write down your thoughts on how to grasp degrees and relationships in your life.
3 Symptom analysis through balance The members describe their specific symptoms and the therapist guides them to specifically analyze the
cause of the imbalances and improve self-confidence.
Homework: Record the imbalances in your life and analyze their reasons.
4 Balanced mutual assistance The therapist guides the members to feel their sense of belonging within the group. Members discuss
their feelings about themselves and others in the group and learn to reflect on their life experiences.
Homework: Record changes in feelings related to life relationships.
5 Balanced sand tray technique The therapist leads the members to experience group sand tray therapy to comprehend the psychological
defense mechanisms and interpersonal relationships.
Homework: Feel and record your emerging 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 achieve spiritual unity.
Homework: Continuous use of mandala painting for relaxation.
7 Balanced relaxation technique Teach and practice positive thinking meditation for relaxation. Encourage members to respond to the
experience rather than to their thinking.
Homework: Continuous meditation practice on your own.
8 Review and conclusions Review what the members have gained in the previous seven sessions. Fill out a balanced feedback sheet.
Sort out treatment tips. Members say goodbye to each other.
Abbreviations: BPT: Balancing psychotherapy; GBPT: Group balancing psychotherapy.

patients with GAD. GAD patients were randomly assigned across all measures (p<0.05). However, compared with BPT
to either the GBPT or GCBT group for 8 weeks of alone, the VR-BPT exhibited faster symptom relief and
intervention. The results showed that anxiety, depression, greater reductions in compulsive thoughts and behavior.
and somatization levels were significantly reduced in both Zhu compared the efficacy of VR-BPT and BPT
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groups compared to their pre-treatment levels (p<0.05). combined with drug therapy in 27 patients with panic
Notably, the GBPT group showed superior improvements disorder and found that both treatments could alleviate
in anxiety and somatization symptom reduction the severity of panic, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
compared to the GCBT group (p<0.001 or p<0.05). The Notably, VR-BPT outperformed BPT in reducing panic
study concluded that GBPT offers inherent advantages severity (p<0.05) and anxiety symptoms (p=0.05).
in cultural adaptability and inclusivity and that its group
dynamics – marked by mutual support and active member Moreover, this study is the first to explore the relationship
engagement – were more effective than those of GCBT. between sense of presence and therapeutic efficacy in
VR-BPT, finding no significant correlation.
3.3. VR-based BT modalities Zhang explored the effects of VR-BPT combined with
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The introduction of VR technology into BPT, using its drug therapy versus drug therapy alone in patients with
characteristics of immersion and interactivity, can improve depression. After 4 weeks of treatment, the VR-BPT group
treatment outcomes. Studies have found that VR-BPT showed a significantly higher reduction in the Hamilton
has a significant effect on OCD, panic disorder, and depression scale-17 compared to the control group
depression. 26-28 The study design and results of the three (p<0.001). This suggests that VR-BPT combined with drug
studies are summarized in Table 4. treatment can improve depression severity to a greater
extent within the same time frame. Therefore, VR-BPT
Gu conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing
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traditional BPT and VR-BPT in 30 patients with OCD. The combined with drug therapy has a more prominent effect.
primary efficacy indicators included obsessive-compulsive Despite promising results, the three studies noted
symptoms, whereas secondary outcomes assessed limitations due to technological constraints, such as
depression, anxiety, social support, and interpersonal mismatches between VR content and patient symptoms,
relationships. The results showed significant improvements which may introduce bias or limit generalizability.

Volume 3 Issue 4 (2025) 16 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.8288