Sources and Forms of Constructivist Theory and Therapy Milton Erickson
– Strategic hypnotherapy– Solution-based
Palo Alto and Italy– DBCP– MRI– Milan Center
Theoretical Principles of Constructivist Theory and Therapy
Postmoderism Language and languaging Change as constant and inevitable Therapy is collaborative Focus on positive, strengths, solutions
The Practice of Constructivist Therapy
Preparing yourself
Preparing your client
Assessment Issues and Procedures
Specific Assessment Techniques
Opening session Scaling questions Percentage questions Assessing client motivation
Specific Therapy Techniques
Pretreatment change question Externalizing conversations Carl Rogers with a twist Relabeling Presuppositional questions Formula tasks Letter writing Reflecting teams/therapeutic breaks
Therapy Outcomes Research
Solution-based: Brief therapy has been shown to be effective, and solution-based is brief.
Narrative: Symptom based assessment is too narrow to address changes.
Concluding Comments
Constructivists are a diverse group. Can be seen as unfeeling and shallow However, many techniques can be deeply
involving and effective
Critical Corner De Shazer and others contend that since therapy usually
only lasts 6-10 sessions, it is the therapist’s responsibility to work within that framework. Although this statement makes sense on the surface, it is so absurdly general and nomothetic that it constitutes gross neglect of the individual and the ideal. To assume that every new client is just another average 6-10 session client is completely counter to narrative, constructive principles. It succumbs to external socio-scientific-cultural-political forces currently operating in the world, rather than legitimately constructing a unique therapy designed to meet the needs of distressed individuals. In this way, de Shazer advocates a therapy of what tends-to-be rather than a therapy of exciting new possibilities.
Critical Corner (continued) Many constructive therapy books and resources (especially those
emphasizing solution-based approaches) repeatedly proclaim the nearly magical power of solution-focused interventions. Typically, numerous cases are presented in which the astute and clever therapist almost tricks the clients into focusing on their positive attributes. In the end, thanks to the solution-focused approach, the clients quickly succeed in meeting their treatment goals and leave happily ever after. The truth is that solution-based approaches are briefer than traditional approaches and result in goal attainment principally because the criteria for success are set so low and the therapist gives many indirect and some direct messages to clients that they’re really not particularly interested in discussing deeper emotional issues. Its no wonder why there aren’t any controlled outcome studies because solution-focused therapists are in such a hurry to get clients out of their offices that they would never take the time needed to conduct a systematic and depth-oriented evaluation of therapy efficacy.
Critical Corner (continued)
Constructive theory claims to be an egalitarian approach to therapy. However, the approach is extremely value-based and invalidating of clients’ experience of their personal problems. How can constructive theory be egalitarian when it blatantly leads clients toward focusing on positive solutions and sparkling moments?
Critical Corner (continued)
Narrative and constructive approaches often sound more like philosophy than psychology. Constructive writers emphasize lived experience, discourse, contemporary hermeneutics, and the value of not knowing {Anderson, 1998 #507}. Isn’t it likely that all this philosophizing about the human condition moves the therapist away from establishing the deep human connection necessary for therapy to work?
Review Key Terms
Constructivism Postmodern philosophy Utilization Solution-focused brief therapy Solution-oriented (possibility) therapy Narrative therapy
Key Terms (continued)
Ripple effect Assimilation Accommodation Lived experience Problem externalization Credulous assessment
Key Terms (continued)
Formula task Pretreatment change question Unique account or sparkling moment Externalizing conversation Carl Rogers with a twist Relabeling or reframing
Key Terms (continued)Formula task Pretreatment change question Unique account or sparkling moment Externalizing conversation Carl Rogers with a twist Relabeling or reframing
Review Questions
Who was the first contemporary constructive therapist?
What is Milton Erickson’s “utilization” technique?
What is “positive connotation” and what research group came up with positive connotation as a technique?
What is a sparkling moment or unique outcome?
Review Questions
What are the main differences between Ellis’s REBT and Beck’s Cognitive Therapy?
What are the five bedrock assumptions of Ellis’s REBT?
Meichenbaum’s approach is based on verbal mediational processes. In practical terms, what does he mean by verbal mediational processes?
Review Questions (continued)
Who was the first contemporary constructive therapist?
What is Milton Erickson’s “utilization” technique?
What is “positive connotation” and what research group came up with positive connotation as a technique?
What is a sparkling moment or unique outcome?