Related Experiment Videos
On the process and practice of psychotherapy: some reflections
The British Journal of Medical Psychology
|March 1, 1981
Summary
Psychotherapy research often overlooks intentionality and meaning, focusing instead on technical aspects. This study highlights the importance of an individual's construct system, or assumptive world, for meaningful therapeutic change.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy Research
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Recent psychotherapy research emphasizes scientific and technological advancements.
- There's a critique that 'doing to' therapeutic functions neglect intentionality and meaning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the construct system (assumptive world) in therapeutic change.
- To contrast 'image' and 'plan' as constructs within therapy.
- To propose fundamental 'deep structural' commitments in psychotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis using contrasting terms 'image' and 'plan'.
- Examination of the construct system or assumptive world.
- Consideration of the problematic nature of therapeutic change.
Main Results:
- The 'doing to' approach in therapy omits crucial elements of intentionality and meaning.
- 'Image' and 'plan' constructs illustrate the influence of the assumptive world on change.
- Therapeutic change is complex and requires addressing deep structural commitments.
Conclusions:
- Effective psychotherapy must integrate the individual's assumptive world and subjective meaning.
- Therapeutic interventions should move beyond purely technical 'doing to' functions.
- Addressing 'deep structural' commitments is fundamental for profound therapeutic change.