Chaos Theory and Counselor Training

Abstract

This article presents the perspective that chaos theory may provide a more flexible, nonlinear, and effective model and basis for the preparation and education of counselors than competing linear‐causal models.

Group Chaos Theory: A Metaphor and Model for Group Work

“…In short, nonlinear dynamics as well as systems theories are becoming important aspects and methods of counseling and group practice (see Sexton, 1994). Increasing attention also is being given to move beyond traditional, organismic theories of counseling and therapy to incorporate other theoretical frameworks, such as constructivistic, interactionist, sociological contextualism, and chaos models (Brabender, 2000;Hoskins & Leseho, 1996;Wilbur et al, 1995a;Wilbur et al, 1995b). Likewise, metaphors of the ''self'' are changing from the unitary self, the authentic self, the core self, the cohesive self, and integrated selves to the narrative self, possible selves, the empty self, the saturated self, the dialogical self, and internalized selves.…”

“…From the perspective of chaos theory, however, these situations are not random events (see Stickle, 1992). Turbulence occurs in the context of complex interactions and relationships, changes in these interactions, and changes in the group and its members (see Wilbur et al, 1995aWilbur et al, , 1995b; that is, chaos theory deals with the relationship of parts to the whole. This idea is also consistent with the findings of Lichtenberg and Knox (1991), who analyzed the structure of social interaction within four therapy groups and proposed that the group's interactions would show increasing structure across sessions.…”

“…However, empirical tests of a linear as well as nonlinear nature are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Depending on the research question being asked, linear and nonlinear methodologies may be used to study different aspects of the same system (Barton, 1994, Wilbur et al, 1995a, 1995b.…”

“…112 THE JOURNAL FOR SPECIALISTS IN GROUP WORK / June 2005 Arguably, however, the theory of causation (cause-effect, outcome) that has been emphasized in group work theorizing and research over the past 30 years has promoted group work as the linear application of dynamics and processes that progress in an orderly development of sequential stages. As a result, many, if not most, group workers have come to believe that a flexible, dynamic, and complex process, such as group work, can be reduced to a linearly progressive sequence of steps, stages, or phases (Wilbur, Kulikowich, Roberts-Wilbur, & Torres Rivera, 1995a;Wilbur, Roberts-Wilbur, Torres Rivera, & Kulikowich, 1995b).…”

A Qualitative Inquiry into the Complex Features of Strained Interactions: Analysis and Implications for Health Care Personnel

“…11 Chaos theory in nursing practice has been defined as "the qualitative study of unstable aperiodic behavior in deterministic non-linear dynamical systems." 12 Wilbur et al 13 argue that something is complex when it lacks complete predictability in the occurrence of events. Chaffee and McNeill 14 add that complexity theories are useful in attempts to explain complex behaviors.…”