UT is primarily a practical method and is not closely tied to any single psychological trend, philosophy, or worldview. Its essence includes remaining open to any perspective, way of thinking, religion, or belief system that the client brings.

If we were to outline a theoretical foundation for UT, it could be succinctly summarized as follows:

• as broad and integrated as possible in its worldview,
• as deep and essential as possible in its focus,
• as practical and effective as possible in its operation,
• as humane and ethical as possible in its approach,
• all within the framework of a single session.

Instead of a long, exhaustive historical overview, I would like to briefly mention the major psychological schools and trends that have made a deep impression on me and undoubtedly influenced the decades-long professional experimentation that eventually crystallized the idea of Ultrabrief Therapy in me. I will also briefly outline the specific approaches, elements, and tools derived from these sources that are occasionally reflected in the UT methodology…

·       Psychoanalysis  

Following the work of Sigmund Freud and his followers, we use the concepts of the conscious and unconscious parts of the psyche. This has helped us better understand why we sometimes behave irrationally and how we can unconsciously harm and sabotage ourselves. Thanks to psychoanalysis, these deeper layers of our inner world have been the focus of psychotherapies for over a century (hence the term depth psychology). Jung’s concepts of complex (a cluster of unresolved, unconscious conflicts) and collective unconscious further directed attention to psychological depths. Both psychoanalysis and UT share the approach of not being satisfied with symptomatic treatments or surface explanations; we seek the deepest possible answers to what might be causing current problems.

·       Psychodrama

Jacob L. Moreno and his followers provided us with a methodology that allows the internal world of a person to dramatically manifest in space and become tangible and manageable in a play space (where everything is both playful and very real in its effects). The entire experience (as in UT) is emotionally rich, action-oriented, and often cathartic. Some psychodrama techniques can be effectively applied in UT consultations.

·       Gestalt Therapy

Fritz Perls highlighted how unresolved issues drain our psychological energy in the form of unfinished gestalts, leading to inappropriate reactions and unnecessary suffering. The only way to resolve these is through honest confrontation and maturely addressing unfinished business. A core principle (shared with UT) is that it is less useful for the client to talk about someone to a therapist than to talk directly to the person involved in the issue. It may be done imaginatively with an empty chair, producing significant effects.

·       Somatic Psychotherapy

Starting from psychoanalysis but moving away from talk therapy, Wilhelm Reich and his followers expanded the possibilities of exploring the unconscious to the human body, its vegetative functions, and energetics, developing methods that could heal the deepest-seated emotional wounds. Although UT does not use body-oriented techniques, the perspective of somatic psychotherapy permeates our consulting work, especially when engaging in healing communication with the body, body parts, organs, or illnesses.

·       Humanistic Psychology

Carl Rogers first and perhaps most clearly demonstrated the importance of the consultant’s personality and attitude in the success of the consultative process. He showed that the presence of a genuine, empathetic, and unconditionally accepting therapist creates a sense of security for the client, facilitating self-acceptance, which in turn enhances the processes of change and healing. While the UT toolbox includes many active, directive techniques foreign to the humanistic school, the fundamental atmosphere and quality of the consultant’s presence share many similarities.

·       Transpersonal Psychology

Pioneers like Abraham Maslow, Roberto Assagioli, and Stanislaw Grof first undertook the comprehensive analysis of the human soul’s aspiration towards cosmic and divine qualities, the systematic study of altered states of consciousness, and the integration of spirituality into psychotherapy. UT values both the personal and transpersonal layers of the human soul, and a portion of the consultative work takes place in a slightly altered state of consciousness, making this source particularly enriching.

·       Family Constellation

Bert Hellinger introduced a profound and revolutionary system of principles and methodology from which countless therapists and clients continue to benefit. Although UT does not rely on any specific thesis foundational to family constellation, does not refer to the Field, nor follow Hellinger’s perceived Order, our consultative processes can often resemble the catharsis, liberation, and release of generational burdens experienced in family constellations. Occasionally, we may even use representative perception in special situations, taking on a role from the client’s world as a consultant.

·       Schema Therapy

Developed by Jeffrey E. Young in the 1990s, this method earned its place in this list for its clear and comprehensive presentation of childhood-acquired patterns or schemas that unconsciously distort our thinking, overshadow our emotional world, and derail our relationships in adulthood. Schema therapy and UT share the goal of liberating from maladaptive (i.e., obstructive and unhealthy) schemas. The former progresses gradually over a longer timeframe, while the latter aims for more rapid strides towards this goal.

·       Internal Family System (IFS)

Developed by Richard Schwartz, IFS is a psychotherapeutic approach popular mainly in the United States. It posits that the human psyche contains several subsystems that behave as if they were members of an internal family, each holding unique feelings, memories, and perspectives. The goal of IFS is to create harmony among these parts and eliminate limiting schemas and harmful behaviors. Through therapy, clients learn to recognize, accept, communicate with, and realign these internal family members, striving to maintain a deep and stable self-state (referred to as Self in IFS), from which all subsystems are acceptable, lovable, and integrable. In terms of professional approach, IFS is perhaps closest to UT: it emphasizes the power of self-healing, encourages communication with inner characters, promotes reconciliation among parts, and opens the door to spiritual awakening through the experience of the Self.

·       Integral Psychology

Ken Wilber’s work has become indispensable for methods that integrate psychology and spirituality, as well as Eastern and Western approaches (like UT). Integral theory provides universal maps regarding the growth of personality and the awakening of the soul, aiding us as consultants in seeing further along the path than our clients. Wilber states that we need integrally informed therapists and consultants who are versed in both psychological and spiritual perspectives to a certain extent.

Ken Wilber describes growing up as our psychological and emotional development, focusing on the personality, a special construct in our minds with which we have more or less identified. In contrast, waking up refers to our spiritual insights and deepening, focusing on the soul, the essence, the deepest core of our being. Growing up and waking up do not necessarily go hand in hand; significant disparities can occur. However, the harmony of these two processes is essential for a complete and balanced life. Therapies that aim to prevent life from becoming a nightmare primarily aid growing up. Conversely, spiritual teachings and initiations support waking up, aiming to liberate the mind from its dream, awaken us to our true nature and wholeness, and make peace with life in its entirety.