Active Inference Based Psychotherapy: What might psychotherapy based on first principles look like?

Working notes on a potential approach to psychotherapy and growth.

Copyright Grant H Brenner

NB This is not medical advice nor an established approach to psychotherapy. If you are concerned about your well-being or are in need of assistance, please seek professional evaluation right away. For crises, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides immediate support and resources.

Summary & Overview

Phase 1 — Capture
- Conducts initial assessment using conventional methods plus AIT-specific evaluations
- Evaluates patient’s self-modeling capabilities and personality structure
- Determines appropriate communication style and technical vocabulary level
- Establishes hierarchical therapy goals
- Begins forming therapeutic relationship (“coupling”)
- Assesses patient’s ability to monitor internal states and update mental models

Phase 2 — Initial Evidencing
- Implements 1–3 initially selected approaches
- Alternates between structured inquiry and open exploration
- Tracks responses using Active Inference measurements
- Refines initial diagnosis for better precision
- Handles higher model uncertainty as patient experiments with new approaches
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