Blocking Tragic Scripts

Abstract

Decisional closing of the commit suicide, go crazy, or kill another peron “escape hatches” (W. Holloway) is help to be essential to any change-oriented therapy. Decontamination of the Adult ego state must precede making permanent, non-conditional committments by the Adult to close the escape hatches. The non-conditional nature of the decision distinguishes it from a contract which may be re-negotiable or otherwise modifiable. The closing of all three escape hatches in a single session is recommended for all patients. Specific techniques for closing escape hatches are described, and procedures given for handling patient resistance. Specific benefits for the therapeutic process from the closing of the escape hatches are discussed. Exceptions to final closure of the escape hatches are discussed.