The Trend Toward Eclecticism and the Development of Comprehensive Models to Guide Counseling and Psychotherapy

Abstract

Models dealing with metatheory, group work, and client functioning level are described, and suggestions are presented for integrating the models into a comprehensive system.

Counseling Theory: Understanding the Trend Toward Eclecticism from a Developmental Perspective

“…It is our contention, however, that the challenge facing counseling today is to move beyond the "fact of human disagreement," to synthesize disparate views, and to form an integration of theory solidly based on supporting empirical evidence. This is not a new challenge; it is one articulated by many writers (e.g., Frank, 1981;Frank & Dietz, 1978;Mahoney, 1981;Staats, 1983;Wachtel, 1977;Ward, 1983). We believe that this challenge will be better addressed in counseling textbooks when authors reflect a view of the nature of knowledge about counseling that is similar to that described in the highest stages of the reflective judgment model.…”

“…Me is not alone in his cautions about eclecticism. For example, Ward (1983) argued that in contrast to eclecticism, an integrative model of counseling is needed: "Without guidelines to structure counseling and to govern the appropriate selection and application of theoretical demands, strategies, and techniques, the eclectic faces the danger of operating haphazardly, inconsistently, and less effectively than is desirable" (p. 23).…”

Reintegrating Janus: Eclectics and dialectics in counselling and psychotherapy

“…Patterson (1985) states that by selecting methods and techniques in terms of clients' needs, based on the subjective judgement of each counsellor amounts to an atheoretical syncretism. Others have argued that eclecticism may result in a nonsystematic, unguided approach to clinical practice, and the inappropriate selection and inconsistent application of concepts, strategies, and techniques (Garfield, 1982;Smith, 1982;Ward, 1983). Furthermore, since eclecticism varies with every therapist that calls himself or herself eclectic there appears to be no common elements or principles to be taught (Patterson, 1985).…”

Levels of Group Activity: A Model for Improving the Effectiveness of Group Work

“…To the extent that these adaptations are derived from a recognition of universal mechanisms of change that underlie all group work, they may represent the trend toward eclecticism and the development of comprehensive models to guide counseling and therapeutic practice (Ward, 1983). A more detailed critique and discussion of the applicability of counseling theories to group work and their adaptations was presented by Ward (1982).…”