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For some time, I have been exploring a model for psychotherapy based upon an interaction of energy and structure. The emotions of joy, anger, sadness, and sexuality constitute our “energy.” Our energy is contained by our “structure.” There appear to be two structural mechanisms for containing and binding energy: our bodies bind energy by muscular contraction, and our intellects bind energy by cognitive activity. It is also our structure that allows us to contact and experience our energy.
The interaction of energy and structure can be conceptualized along an energy-structure axis or continuum. Healthy functioning on this axis requires a balance of energy and structure, and a freedom of movement along the axis. Energy without structure is disorganized, chaotic, and undirected. Structure in the absence of energy is immobile, dull, and lifeless. Excitement is experienced and gracefulness observed when our energy and structure are interacting in a harmonious fashion. “Congruency” is another term that describes the smooth interaction of energy and structure.
The interaction of energy and structure is the prototypic theme of the “intrapsychic conflict.” I believe that this theme and its variations are the basis of most intrapsychic or intrapersonal difficulties. The “crime vs. punishment” or masochistic theme is perhaps the most often encountered variation in psychotherapy. Other variations of this theme are:
structure—energy
cognition—affect
thinking—feeling
inflexibility—dyscontrol
contraction—expansion
obsessive—hysteric
parent—child