Living beings, coevolution and psychotherapy: The legacy of Humberto Maturana

Abstract

Recently died at the age of 92, Humberto Maturana has exerted a deep influence on the field of psychotherapy. Systemic and cognitive‐constructivist approaches are those that mostly—or more explicitly—have absorbed his theories, but in a wider perspective, all the field could benefit from the rediscovery of such a significant scientific background. Building on some of the main themes of Maturana's research and theories—such as autopoiesis, structural coupling and consensual domains of knowledge—the present article aims at discussing some of the most topical implications for psychotherapy today. A special focus is placed on how some crucial findings of the research on psychotherapy process and outcomes could be better understood considering Maturana's teachings and on the role of psychotherapy in our social and cultural worlds.