Toward unification of clinical science: The next wave in the evolution of psychotherapy?

Abstract

This article presents evidence from converging lines of evidence to support the emergence of a new phase in the evolution of psychotherapy away from integration and toward unification. Clinical science has been rapidly advancing on a number of important fronts allowing for new theoretical modeling on which to base clinical science and the practice of psychotherapy. Although there is controversy about the value of identifying the common principles and component systems of human function and psychotherapy a growing number of clinical theorists and researchers are beginning to explore the value of articulating these to guide clinical practice. The concept of holism and a foundation in systems theory may be important keys to advancing our understanding of psychopathology, personality theory, and psychotherapy. This article presents an evolving unified component system model based on findings and developments in clinical science and psychotherapy.

A New Unified Theory of Psychology

“…In laying his vision toward a unified psychotherapy, Magnavita (2008a) called for the construction of a unified clinical science, which consists of the intersection and amalgamation of personality theory, developmental psychopathology, and psychotherapy in a way that allows for the identification of the structures, processes, and mechanisms that are involved in the major domains of human functioning. In terms of the unified theory, unified clinical science represents the effective cooperation between human psychology and the profession.…”

“…As Magnavita (2005) noted these systems are closely interconnected and reciprocally influence one another but they nevertheless can be conceptually separated readily enough to have meaning for classifying intrapsychic processes and interventions. With his unified component systems in place, Magnavita (2008a) then broadly characterized psychotherapy as the process of restructuring various aspects of the system to achieve better functioning.…”

Beyond theoretical orientations: The emergence of a unified scientific framework in professional psychology.

“…Surveys normally find that the largest number of adherents to any one orientation, even an eclectic or integrative approach, still remains a minority, usually less than one third of the sample (Prochaska & Norcross, 2010). The intensity of contention and conflict between the theoretical camps appears to have diminished in recent years (Goodheart & Carter, 2008;Magnavita, 2008;Norcross, 2005), but disagreements between advocates of the differing theoretical orientations remain strong nonetheless.…”

Examining the content of mental health intake assessments from a biopsychosocial perspective.

“…This approach does not focus just on integrative approaches to psychotherapy. From this perspective, all of human psychology, including development, functioning, personality, psychopathology, psychotherapy and other behavior change processes, can only be understood by taking a comprehensive, integrative BPS approach (Anchin, 2008;Kaslow et al, 2007;Magnavita, 2008;Melchert, 2007). The BPS approach is then used to inform the whole treatment process from intake assessment through treatment planning, the implementation of treatments, and the assessment of treatment outcomes.…”

“…[Publisher] does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from [Publisher].] 3 (e.g., Anchin, 2008;Guastello, Koopmans, & Pincus, 2009;Magnavita, 2008).…”