Constructivism in psychotherapy.

Abstract

is compelling thinkers across disciplines to consider some of our most deeply held but perhaps limiting beliefs about human nature and the nature of change. Constructivism in Psychotherapy provides a broad introduction to the principles of constructivist theory (and a helpful glossary for newcomers) as well as an in-depth exploration of constructivist practice involving a wide range of clinical problems encountered in day-to-day practice. Offering perspectives that encompass diversity and rapid social change while acknowledging the primacy of meaning, language, self-agency and novel experience in response to such changes, the book presents a refreshing blend of high-level theory and experientially grounded practice. An international panel of established leaders as well as new voices in this emerging field offer compelling metaphors for self, science and psychotherapy. Therapy as a problem-dissolving system, therapy as rebiography and narrative reconstruction, and therapy as a laboratory for personal experiments are a few of the metaphors explored. Practical methods of working within these metaphors free practitioners to conceive of their work in new ways while continuing to practice in ways that have always served them well. To give only two examples, ideas from the chapter on termination can be easily integrated into the practice of cognitive-behavioural, humanistic and system-oriented therapists. As the population of elderly persons grows, many of these individuals will probably be more open to psychotherapy than those of previous generations. The creative views of this stage of life offered in Constructivism in Psychotherapy should be of interest to all who practice with clients across the life cycle. This comprehensive book on constructivist psychotherapy, invites practitioners and other behavioural theorists to consider their work, their clients and their profession in ways that should compel, surprise and perhaps unsettle them.