The KIP method was developed by Hanscarl Leuner between 1948 and 1954. Leuner defined KIP therapy as a basically dynamic, analytically oriented psychotherapeutic process.
The subconscious experience content appears in an imaginative form when using KIP pictures – along with controlled regression. The guided imagery is full of emotions, it can symbolically depict subconscious conflicts, personality deficits, pathology of bonding and the manifestation of early traumas.
The guided imagery experience induced with therapeutic intention and the therapeutic work done on visualized content mean primary processes are prioritized, namely we can carry out therapeutic work close to the subconscious. The guided imagery experience induced with therapeutic intention, which is guided by the therapist, emphasizes all sensory modalities in which the essential part of the therapeutic process happens.
Regression occurring on primary process level can be put at the service of the self thus integrative procedures can be mobilized providing a possibility to recharge personality deficits and restart the stuck developmental processes. It enables to charge the dyadic deficiencies, to handle personality disorders and to absolve neurotic fixations.
Imagination and therapy done on visualized content are central issues in KIP which are used systematically and purposefully by the therapist during the therapeutic session.
The advantage of KIP is that it not only offers expressive possibility for the pathological processes in the subconscious but also it can ensure appropriate protection for the self.
As a consequence of the therapy carried out on guided imagery a change occurs in the subconscious which will manifest itself in the operation and behaviour of the self.
Guided imagery can be processed and realized during the discussions after visualization and by doing so they can be transferred to the level of the secondary process – this way the content close to consciousness can interlock with the conscious level. This makes it possible to treat early emotional disturbances, to recharge personality deficits, the post maturity of personality and the procession of conflicts.