Central Dynamic Sequence

Locate the phase before choosing the move. Stuckness is usually a phase mismatch.

The Two Triangles

Triangle of Conflict

Every moment sits on one corner: Feeling, Anxiety, or Defense. If defense, address defense. If anxiety above threshold, regulate. If feeling, deepen.

Triangle of Persons

Current · Past · Transference. Feelings in the T corner are the live access point. Link across T–C–P only after breakthrough.

Consensus error patterns

Check every plan against these. Each includes the why, because the reasoning is what transfers.

Contraindications

Outside standard ISTDP (or expert-modified protocols only). Stabilize and route to crisis, medical, or specialty care first.

• Active psychosis; psychotic disorders generally
• Acute mania; unstable bipolar I
• Acute suicidality requiring crisis management
• Substance dependence at detox level (treat after detox)
• Dissociative identity disorder (several protocols)
• Organic causes; significant intellectual disability
• Severe violent acting out (relative, setting-dependent)

Everything else is potentially in scope: selection is by trial therapy response, not diagnosis. About 86% of one large psychiatric referral series were trial-therapy candidates (Abbass, 2002).