A philosophy of practice for systemic psychotherapy: the case for critical realism

Abstract

An argument is made for Bhaskar's critical realism as a more coherent, accountable and enabling philosophy of practice for systemic psychotherapy than the kinds of strong constructionism and pragmatism that are currently powerful in our field. Constructionism is positioned, not as an opponent to realism in the usual way, but -in a moderate version -as a necessary partner to give realism its critical edge. The dimensions of critical realism are sketched and its potential for the coherent support of practice is illustrated with an analysis of a moment of therapeutic change.Practitioner points • Critical realism supports the understanding of multiply interacting causal tendencies, from genetics to discourse, providing a new platform for eclecticism and integration and a renewed, though cautious, relationship with science. • The growing split between structuralism and poststructuralism is closed by critical realism, giving the potential for systemic family therapy to become a unified field. • The covert use of realism by clinicians is made accountable by critical realism.

The Multi‐epistemological Systemic Therapist: A Qualitative Study

“…We cannot say how ‘right’ a family interaction is, but we can say when there are unhealthy family interactions, for example, when discipline is so inconsistent within/between parents that a predictable response to the child's misbehaviour is lacking (World Health Organization, ). We agree with Pocock () who, arguing for a critical realist position, stated that if one follows a strong social constructionism, for example, Gergen's () claim that social constructionism is ‘ontologically mute,’ then one is unable to criticise family interactions at all.…”

Discursive Research and Clinical Realities, or the Eye of the Beholder

“…Lately, the claim that social constructionism has solved centuries‐old philosophical problems (see Gergen, ) has been disputed (Bertrando, ; Pocock, ). Even in circles advocating a new approach to realism (Ferraris, ), though, some issues remain highly problematic.…”

Research on systemic psychology in Latin America: An integrative review with methods and data triangulation

“…Critical realism incorporates the understanding of multiple causal trends, interacting from genetics to discourse, in an interdisciplinary and integrative approach to science. Thus, a bridge is built between structuralism and post-structuralism in critical realism, potentializing systemic psychology to become an unified field (Pocock, 2015).…”