Post-Modernist Approach

postmodern

[ pohst-mod-ern ]

adjective


A group of psychologists and physicians broke away from the norm in the early 1980's as they were not satisfied with the treatment options that they had for their patients. Many believed to put the emphasis on the individual as the "problem" is not fair or accurate whereas others delved into the world of holistic methods into treatments. Included in this group of 'breakaways' were those practitioners who saw how the suffering of their clients did not lessen to the modern approaches they were taking.

The goal of post-modernism was to treat the whole person rather than presenting symptoms. This new form of treatment received mixed reviews. Some saw validity in the new movement whereas others where very critical of it. 
Modern treatments are still growing and expanding with new theories and approaches such as:
  • Psycho-pharmacology
  • Integrative psychology
  • Use of interdisciplinary teams
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Positive psychology
Interestingly enough some of the most noticeable influences in the development of post-modern approaches can actually be found in far east philosophies such as Buddishm - another perspective and inclusion into the western treatment model.
One of the more well-known advocates for the acceptance of post-modern treatment, Andrew Weil, MD sums up the issue this way: “Please keep in mind the distinction between healing and treatment: treatment originates from outside, whereas healing comes from within.”

Postmodernism & Critical Theory; the Good, the Bad, the Traumatic.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

African Knowledge Systems

Image
Throughout the history of psychology, the formal study of psychology in African cultures has been based on or established in mainstream Western psychology. In the African culture certain ailments or illnesses are seen as 'symbolic' - by this we mean that there is more to the sickness than the physical quality we see, but rather a reason as to why the patient is feeling the way they do , it is almost as if they feel that they  must go beyond the ‘information given’ (Bruner, 1986) to determine ‘who’ is speaking through such an illness and what they are expected to do to expect a cure.  There is to this day still a very clear distinction between how psychological problems are managed from an African  perspective (ritualistic) and a Western perspective (talking therapy).
Read more

1st & 2nd Order Cybernetics

Image
First and second-order approaches are consistent with each other in the assumption that reality is understood as perceptually constructed or created (Becvar & Becvar, 2006).  First order therapy is explained as observing from a remote or removed position. Second order approach is aware that it is near impossible to understand the observed's reality if one is not part of said reality during the observation process. Both of them however to reiterate the importance o communication between the observed and the observer. The observer needs to understand the context in which the observed find themselves in , how the observed perceive certain things and understand the social context of the situations. The second order theorists do however differentiate in that they do not believe that there is only a single correct or right way to live one's life, thus reality is not a given.
Read more