Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy and
Structural Analysis of Social Behavior
are two, related methods for helping a wide range clients in psychotherapy, especially those with longstanding interpersonal problems, complex trauma, and personality disorder
What are IRT and SASB?
Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy (IRT), created by Dr. Lorna Smith Benjamin, is a compassionate and attachment-oriented way of intervening that is tailored based on an individualized understanding of the deep, tricky, unyielding ways we subconsciously hold on to our self-destructive patterns.
Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) is a tailorable tool that IRT clinicians (and clinical researchers) use to measure, understand, and make it possible to work with even very complex relationship patterns spanning across an individual’s life history
Workshops & Webinars
September 8, 11am - 2pm EST
Using SASB-based Questionnaire Methods for Personality Assessment, Case Formulation, and Outcome Monitoring
A CE training event co-hosted by the IRT Institute with the PBTA
This will be a 3 hour workshop/training on using the SASB-Based Intrex Questionnaire in Clinical Practice
Register by emailing Wesley at wesleyannelittle@gmail.com
October 24, 11am - 1pm EST
Tracking Interpersonal Patterns: Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) in Clinical Research and Practice
Live Online
Summary
Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB: Benjamin, 1974; 2000) is a sophisticated framework for tracking patterns described by patients within and across relationships. This presentation provides an overview of related methods that have proven valuable to understand psychopathology and psychotherapy process in interpersonal terms. Case formulation based on tracking repeated interpersonal themes learned in close attachment relationships has shown strong reliability and validity in a series of studies across a variety of samples (Critchfield & Benjamin, 2008, 2010; Critchfield, et al., 2015; Woehrle et al., 2023). Strong connection with therapeutic outcomes has also been observed among complex cases involving treatment-resistant suicidality and depression with notable complex trauma histories and personality disorder (Benjamin, 2018; Critchfield et al., 2025). The presentation includes case illustrations that elucidate links between current symptoms and relational patterns, as well as implications for in-session therapeutic processes and articulation of treatment goals.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1) Describe the SASB model in terms of its three underlying dimensions of Focus, Affiliation, and Interdependence
2) Begin to apply SASB to client narratives and track in-session relationship process
3) Define therapy goals in interactive, interpersonal terms
Length of Activity: 2 hours. 2 Professional CE credits
Fees
Professional CE fee: $59
Student registration fee: $10
Non-CE registration fee: $20
November 7, 9:00am -12pm EST (3-6pm central European time)
The SASB model with a Focus on Case Formulation
A webinar sponsored by the Society for Psychotherapy Research – Italy Chapter
Registration will be posted when available
IRT Peer Consult Group with Dr. Ken Critchfield
For advanced IRT practitioners for ongoing maintenance of skills and support for work with difficult cases. CE’s available.
For acceptance into the sequence email Dr. Critchfield
Coming Soon!
IRT Certification training sequence. Anticipated to be 12-15 sessions, for experienced/established mental health practitioners, with CEs available.
Sign up with your email below to be notified!
Just released!
Dr. Lorna Smith Benjamin and Dr. Ken Critchfield
Dr. Lorna Smith Benjamin is the founder and creator of Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy and Structural Analysis of Social Behavior. She is Professor Emerita of Psychology at the University of Utah and Founder of the Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy Clinic at the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute (UNI). Dr. Benjamin is now in retirement and is not formally or directly affiliated with the IRT Institute
Dr. Ken Critchfield is a therapist, supervisor, and Program Director of the Clinical Psychology Program of the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University. He is the co-author of the SASB Guide for Clinical Use, and continues to help share the invaluable insights Lorna brought into the world. He has spent is life dedicated to understanding and helping those who have needed a higher level of care and compassion as they work towards healing.
Drs Benjamin and Critchfield have worked closely together for almost 2 decades and the ongoing development of her life's work in SASB and IRT is central to the institute's mission. Their wisdom and compassion continue to help those who have needed more than standard treatment to heal.