Some thoughts on the integration of narrative and humanistic/existential approaches to psychotherapy

Journal/Book: J Psychother Integr. 1999; 9: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publ. 161-184.

Abstract: Although humanistic and narrative approaches to psychotherapy make some different assumptions about the nature of the human condition and emphasize different aspects of human functioning in their therapeutic endeavors, I argue here that the underlying assumptions of these two approaches reflect a common view of humanness, thus making these two approaches candidates for attempts at integration. Four areas of commonality are discussed in detail: (a) life as a process of continual development, (b) the nature of experience and the process of meaning creation, (c) the nature of psychological dysfunction, and (d) the nature and importance of human relationships. The implications of these commonalities for the practice of therapy front an integrated perspective are explored in an extended case example.

Note: Article Richert AJ, Western Illinois Univ, Dept Psychol, 1 Univ Circle, Macomb,IL 61455 USA

Keyword(s): constructivism; existentialism; humanism; narrative; psychotherapy

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