Which therapy model focuses on the concept of invisible loyalties?

The Contextual model, developed by Ivan Nagy, emphasizes the importance of relational ethics and the impact of family dynamics, particularly the concept of invisible loyalties. These loyalties refer to the unspoken and often unconscious commitments that family members have to one another, stemming from their shared history and experiences. The model posits that individuals might feel undue burdens or loyalties that can lead to dysfunction within relationships, as they seek to honor these invisible ties at the expense of their own needs or well-being.

By recognizing and addressing these invisible loyalties, the Contextual model seeks to promote fairness and balance in relationships. This approach encourages family members to understand how past experiences and unacknowledged emotional debts affect their current interactions. Therapy under this model aims to restore relational balance and foster healthier dynamics.

The other therapy models, while valuable in their own right, do not specifically focus on the concept of invisible loyalties in the same way. For instance, Bowenian therapy emphasizes family systems theory and the importance of differentiation of self. The Experiential model focuses on emotional expression and the immediacy of experience within the therapy session. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) primarily targets cognitive distortions and behaviors rather than the relational dynamics intrinsic to family loyalties. Thus