Applying Intersubjective System Theory in a University Counseling Center
Date of Award
Summer 8-20-2016
Document Type
Doctoral Research Paper
Degree Name
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Peter Buirski
Second Advisor
Fernand Lubuguin
Third Advisor
Scott Shiebler
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved.
Keywords
University counseling center, Intersubjective system theory, Long-term therapy, Students
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to explore the application of intersubjective systems theory (IST) within a university counseling center (UCC). To date, there is no literature that explores the utility or effectiveness using IST in UCCs. What follows in this study is a literature review on intersubjective systems theory, a few relevant brief dynamic therapies, the typical use of brief therapy models in UCCs, and finally a case example. IST is generally considered a long-term therapy, however the case study presented in this study hopes to demonstrate how to use a relational model within in a short-term setting. UCCs are increasingly facing higher demands for direct clinical services and are also important entity on university campuses for promoting mental health services, social justice and education for students. Importantly, social justice consciousness is an effort to be able to allow all students to reach someone at a UCC, whether it is for one appointment or a referral. However, many brief therapies utilized at UCCs have strict rule out policies about what types of students can benefit from therapy. In general, IST does not attempt to foreclose therapy but rather join in the subjective experience of another to help them make sense of themselves and others.
Copyright Date
8-20-2016
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Rights Holder
Kritika Dwivedi
Provenance
Received from Author
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
67 pgs
Recommended Citation
Dwivedi, Kritika, "Applying Intersubjective System Theory in a University Counseling Center" (2016). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 218.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/218