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Explores the possibilities for the therapeutic process of adopting a social constructionist perspective. Topics covered in this text include the theoretical basis for social constructionist therapy, and various approaches in practice, such as irreverant therapy and the not-knowing therapist.
An overview of this branch of psychotherapy through an examination of the historical, philosophical, and ideological aspects, as well as discussion of specific clinical practices and actual case studies. Includes transcripts from therapeutic sessions. The authors work in family therapy in Chicago. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
`An interesting collection of the state of the art of social constructionism and therapy, and a major contribution to reflection on therapeutic theory and practice′ - Changes `The chapters are interesting as windows into wider debates beyond therapy to those within the human sciences over the organization of meaning and change in culture... the value of this book is that it makes it possible for the reader to step back and think that therapy may mean different things to different communities, that therapy is not the touchstone but only one of many social constructions′ - British Psychological Society Counselling Psychology Review This volume explores the exciting possibilities for the therapeutic process of adopting a social constructionist perspective. A key concern is with socially constructed lives. Our senses of self, identity and life purpose are socially and culturally embedded, but no single cultural `script′ proves all-powerful. In social constructionist therapy, client and therapist work to co-create new, more satisfactory `stories′ in ways which recognise their social, relational character. The book firstly examines the theoretical basis for this process. It also looks at the implications for client-therapist relationships and discusses various approaches in practice, including `irreverent therapy′, the `not-knowing therapist′ and the role of reflexivity. A number of case studies are presented. The final section offers an exhilarating mix of overview, self-critique and agenda for the future.
This volume brings together noted clinicians to offer practical ways of using narrative techniques in therapy. The ideas presented build upon the first wave of narrative thinking that has influenced the field for the past decade. A range of timely topics are covered including sections of dialogue with the authors to demonstrate how these therapies are carried out. Both clinicians and graduate students alike should find this book of value.
Relational Responsibility replaces traditional ideas on individual responsibility by giving centre stage to the relational process thereby replacing alienation with meaningful dialogue.
"Remains an authoritative overview of the field, but is now markedly more accessible. It will be invaluable to students and scholars looking for a sustained and engaging inquiry into the premises and practices of social constructionism." - Dr Matthew Adams, University of Brighton "Kenneth Gergen elegantly presents his constructionist ideas in a style that is both relational and inviting, and, at the same time, comprehensive and thorough. By tracing the history of his ideas, he provides a blueprint for others to follow by including further reflections and additional references. Dr Gergen once again has paved the way for innovative, relational, and ethical ways of thinking about pedagogy, research and practice. I strongly recommend this outstanding book for child and youth care practitioners, social workers, counselors, mediators and psychologists." - Marie Hoskins, Professor, School of Child and Youth Care, Faculty of Human and Social Development, University of Victoria "This aptly titled book provides an accessible theoretical introduction to social constructionism applicable to numerous fields: therapy, education, research. As a teacher of Family Therapy, this book provides a foundation for understanding social constructionist therapy models and research and adds depth to my students understanding of these models." - Kevin Lyness, Antioch University Reflecting the significant developments in constructivist thought and practice, the Second Edition of An Invitation to Social Construction has been thoroughly revised and updated with material on major new areas such as discourse analysis, action research, the body and environmentalism. While still preserving the celebrated wide-ranging and profound approach of the first, the Second Edition, now with pedagogical features throughout, is even more accessible for students.
This significant volume brings together noted clinicians to offer practical ways of using narrative and other discursive methods of therapy. The innovative ideas presented build upon the social constructionist thinking that has influenced the field for the past decade. It covers topics such as addressing violence, discursive research, and "dialogues" with the authors to demonstrate how these therapies are carried out. Both clinicians and graduate students will find this book of great value.
This book explores social constructionism and the language of mental distress. Mental health research has traditionally been dominated by genetic and biomedical explanations that provide only partial explanations. However, process research that utilises qualitative methods has grown in popularity. Situated within this new strand of research, the authors examine and critically assess some of the different contributions that social constructionism has made to the study of mental distress and to how those diagnosed are conceptualized and labeled. This will be an invaluable introduction and source of practical strategies for academics, researchers and students as well as clinical practitioners, mental health professionals, and others working with mental health such as educationalists and social workers.
This book is focused on relational processes in supervision for counselling and psychotherapy. The aim is first to introduce a relational theoretical stance, then to apply that stance to the process of supervision, and finally to offer practitioners immediately accessible resources for relational supervision. Within a relational perspective, supervisor and supervisees are viewed as partners who co-construct the supervisory process. Unlike other approaches to supervision where the emphasis is on specific techniques and strategies for supervision, the relational orientation of this book invites supervisor and supervisee into different understandings of the supervisory interaction. This orientation directs our attention to the importance of co-creating the therapeutic relation/alliance with special attention to the wellbeing of the the supervisee and the supervisor. Supervision, from this perspective, is focused on what participants are making together rather than on the individual abilities, strengths, and weaknesses of either the supervisor or the supervisee.
This book is a comprehensive introduction to social constructionist ideas and their application within the psychological therapies. Whether you are a trainee or qualified therapist, this book will support you to think about therapy as a socially constructed and relational process, and to develop as a more culturally, socially and politically aware practitioner. It advocates for ‘therapist activists’ who understand the interplay between the micro and the macro in therapeutic contexts and debunks the idea of the ‘isolated client’ to examine how broader societal conditions create problems for the individual. Chapters are designed to engage, offering a variety of features to support learning, including: - Introductory and concluding chapter summaries - Textboxes summarising content & spotlighting key information - Case studies and vignettes throughout - Reflective questions & thought-provoking exercises - Recommended Further Reading. This book has wide applicability, with author affiliations across both North and South America - the University of New Hampshire in the US and the Federal University of Uberlandia in Brazil.
