From minimal consensus to maximum dissent

Authors

  • Thomas Slunecko

Abstract

The article starts with a critical synopsis of the five main strategies of psychotherapy integration to date: theoretical integration, common factors, eclecticism, metadisciplinary integration and the search for a common language. They each succumb to a pervasive, but epistemologically unreflected claim for unification. Subsequently, an epistemological frame is proposed that allows for psychotherapy to keep her characteristic differentiation, but at the same time provides her with a specific mode of legitimization as a scientific discipline. It is suggested that particular therapeutic schools accept the heterogeneity of the field, and enter into a dialogue with others; this dialogue is structured according to specific criteria by virtue of which each school can develop a deeper knowledge of the background assumptions it is based upon. The future potential for an open process of psychotherapy integration can best emerge from such encounters between therapeutic schools which are mutually enhancing the understanding of their irreducible (meta-)theoretical differences and limitations.

Keywords
Epistemology, psychotherapy integration.

Author Biography

Thomas Slunecko

Dr. phil. Thomas Slunecko, geboren 1963 in Wien, klinischer Psychologe und Psychotherapeut, Universitätsassistent am Psychologischen Institut der Universität Wien.

Korrespondenz: Univ.-Ass. Dr. Thomas Slunecko, Institut für Psychologie der Universität Wien, Liebiggasse 5, A-1010 Wien

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Published

1997-10-01

How to Cite

Slunecko, T. (1997). From minimal consensus to maximum dissent. Psychotherapie-Wissenschaft, 5(4), 219–232. Retrieved from https://psychotherapie-wissenschaft.info/article/view/599

Issue

No. 4 (1997): Psychotherapie Forum 5/4 (veröffentlicht bei Springer Wien New York)

Section

Original Work

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