Complementarity and the practice of psychotherapy : an alternative to eclecticism

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.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Psychology

Year dc:date.issued

1984

Author dc:creator

• Jordan, Ann Burns

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Saayman, Graham

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17019

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/17019