Complementarity and the practice of psychotherapy : an alternative to eclecticism

Jordan, Ann Burns

Complementarity and the practice of psychotherapy : an alternative to eclecticism

Master Thesis

1984

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Psychology

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

The problem of competing theories in psychology presents major difficulties for the practicing psychotherapist. These difficulties have traditionally been addressed in mono-theoretical, eclectic and integrative approaches. This work critically examines the problems associated with these traditional methods. It draws on the philosophy of complementarity as postulated by Niels Bohr in order to develop an alternative approach. This philosophy stresses the indeterminate nature of the object of study in psychology, and therefore holds that it is necessary to entertain multiple perspectives. It also holds that in order to counteract the problem of indeterminism there is a need for clarity of theoretical descriptions. For psychotherapy practice this implies, in contradistinction to eclecticism, the separate rather than mixed use of diverse approaches. The practical options suggested by therapeutic complementarity are outlined and their benefits are discussed.

Description

Bibliography: pages 135-149.

Keywords

Clinical Psychology

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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