Integrative theories of therapy.

Abstract

There are many contradictions in the field of psychotherapy. O n the one hand, a large number of psychotherapists have a strong commitment to a particular psychotherapy approach. O n the other hand, there is little evidence that any of the over 400 different psychotherapy approaches (Karasu, 1986) is more effective than another (e.g.,

Counsellor interpretations and the occurrence of in-session client change moments in non-dynamic psychotherapies

“…Empirical research from the common factors perspective assumes that constructs and techniques in different schools are more superficial than real and searches for fundamental similarities across therapies (Arkowitz, 1997). This conceptualization of psychotherapy is not new and has been explored by many theorists (Frank and Frank, 1991).…”

Eclecticism and integration in counselling: Implications for training

“…This is one of the central points made by Dyne (1985), Arkowitz (1992) and . It is this continually evolving character that will enable it to avoid the danger of simply adding further approaches to an already diversified field.…”

“…In counselling and psychotherapy, good (or regularised) practice is being defined increasingly by the use of manuals, produced by expert practitioners from the different approaches, and bearing the stamp of approval from the communities associated with those approaches (Arkowitz, 1992;Beitman, 1992;Clarkin et al, 1992). Such manuals are considered by some to be valuable aids in promoting good practice amenable to research.…”

Eclecticism and integration in psychotherapy: Developments and issues.

“…In his chapter, Arkowitz (1992) states that three main directions characterize the current state of psychotherapy integration: "They are (1) theoretical integration; (2) common factors; and (3) technical eclecticism. All are guided by the general assumption that we have much to learn by loolung beyond the boundaries of single approaches.…”

“…This recognition of the integration movement is apparent also in the book published 2 years ago to honor the centennial of the American Psychological Association, History of Psychotherapy: A Century of Change (Freedheim, 1992). In the section on theoretical perspectives in psychotherapy, one of the five chapters is "Integrative Theories of Therapy," written by Arkowitz (1992), editor of the Journal of Psychotherapy Integration. The other four chapters in this section focus on psychoanalytic theories, behavior therapy, humanistic approaches, and family systems theory-all well-known theoretical approaches to psychotherapy.…”