The integrative model (EAIE) Evolution, Affect, Intersubjectivity, Experience: A proposal
Menoni Ezio, Iannelli Kitergiata

The integrative model (EAIE) Evolution, Affect, Intersubjectivity, Experience: A proposal

In recent years an ever broadening integrative area of clinical and theoretical researches is growing on the basis of epistemological models which refer to consilience. They offer very interesting multidisciplinary perspectives of integration among science of mind, brain and life. On this basis is possible for an integrative psychotherapeutic paradigm to stay both on “objective” date and focusing on “subjective” date of life holding a humanistic perspective.

These epistemological features are basic also in the integrative model EAIE ( Evolution- Affect- Intersubjectivity- Experience)(Menoni, E., Iannelli, K.E., in press).

The origin was the teaching of knowledge and life by Barrie Simmons and his therapeutic practice so rich and humanistic.

The basic references are the primacy of theoretical integration and the principle of consilience. So It is different from eclectic models. The integration among EAIE processes mostly nonconscious allows the active construction of affective awareness of meanings and behaviors more and more complex.

A very broad area of studies shows that the processes of construction of complexity with their features autoregulation, connection and autopoiesis, are basic in life processes with their adaptive functions.

Clinical and research date allow to know that adaptive system are continuously in relationship with dynamic processes of connection and disconnection among different functional systems mind, brain, body.

Plasticity e.g. reconstruction and change of neuroconnections is activated by experience in conditions of positive affect as in therapy as in development. The proactive construction of

experience is possible if there is a positive affect which activates a motivational explorative system, in relationship with a felt sense of safety in the therapeutic relationship.

The basic processes are:

• interpersonal construction of “adult therapeutic equivalent” of secure attachment (Fosha, 2003) with a moment by moment here and now attunement that allows the links with deep affect both of traumatic emotional distress and of vitality
• affective experience within and on the borders of the “windows of tolerance” which is zone where integrative cortical- subcortical integrative processes is possible
• focusing on interpersonal and somatic experience .

The therapeutic work develops step by step in order to empower the resources of orienting and integration of different intermodal and multilayered processes.

The therapeutic experience grows in relationships with the development of the resources both of the person and of the therapist, with almost without references to formal psychopathological assessment.

The interpersonal activation of the affective, intersubjective an experiential processes allows the progressive growth of complexity and the construction of more and more flexible, stable and adaptive meanings and of personal narratives.

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