For those interested in Solution-Focused practices, this article may be thought-provoking.
Abstract:
The development of highly sophisticated imaging techniques in the past 20 years has made it possible for neuroscientists to study the brain like never before. The resulting findings, particularly about emotions, are challenging psychotherapists of all orientations to reevaluate their theories and practices. These considerations are a particularly daunting task for therapists whose work reflects the post-modern denial of objective reality, like that of Solution-Focused therapists. In this article, the authors have juxtaposed solution-focused theory and practice with some key neuroscientific ideas in order to explore fit and incompatibility. Possible benefits for Solution-Focused practice are discussed.
Excerpt from Conclusion:
Neuroscientists work in a domain in which the human body is a material reality. SF therapists work in a domain in which reality is a subjective experience constructed through language. It is difficult in this moment in time to imagine a theoretical integration of these very different domains. ...
SF therapists considers problems as subjective realities and believe that people have inherent resources to find solutions to these perceived problems. In this paper, we have explored some neuroscientific findings that suggest that the most evolved living systems (human beings) have mechanisms that allow for subjective realities and continuing change. When SF therapists say that
change occurs through language they mean verbal and nonverbal language. Verbal language is cognitively based; nonverbal language is usually out of awareness and ex- pressed through the body. Problems are subjective realities that are experienced cognitively and physically. Therefore, psychotherapy can be conceived of as helping clients both cognitively and physically. ...
...
The project we are engaged in continues to raise more questions than to provide answers. The most obvious question is what is to be gained by even thinking about this integration? Is it more than an exercise of translating the language of different domains? What about the boundaries of SF therapy? If neuroscientific findings were to be integrated into SFT, would it still be SFT? How would this affect therapists’ training? How can therapists reconcile more concrete concepts with subjective ones? Will neuroscientific information represent a step in the evolution of psychotherapy in general, or simply confirm existing ones, particularly pychodynamic therapy? Time and continuing research in neuroscience and psychotherapy will undoubtedly answer some of these questions at the same time that they may raise new ones. Some questions may never be answered, or just continue to confirm that the therapeutic relationship, rather than any methodol- ogy, makes the biggest difference (Lambert,1992). Be that as it may, we shall continue our project rather than accept that what we are presently doing is the best we can do for our clients.
Click to purchase "Neuroscience: A New Direction for Solution-Focused Thinkers?" (Journal of Systemic Therapies).
New discoveries will always prompt new questions. It's a cycle and it's the way science goes.
Posted by: Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney | January 27, 2012 at 12:33 PM