Postmodern

Postmodern Approaches:

Postmodern approaches are based on the understanding that there are a number of realities and multiple truths. Postmodern therapists often reject the idea that reality is external. These approaches avoid defining clients as abnormal or unhealthy and avoid searching for underlying causes to the problems, and place a high value on discovering a client’s strengths and resources. People do not need fixed, but rather the problem needs fixed. In this kind of therapy, the clients are able to create a new meaning for their lives.

Key Figures: 

Steve De Shazer

 

















Insoo Kim Berg

Michael White

David Epston

Types of Therapy:

1. Narrative Therapy - is the idea that people’s lives and relationships are shaped by the stories that people engage in to give meaning to their experiences, and these practices make up the ways of life associated with their stories. 
2. Solution-Focused Therapy - emphasizes the construction of solutions to problems. This approach has the belief that clients can solve their own problems by focusing on their own successes.   
3. Collaborative Language Systems - solves problems through conversation and emphasizes a collaborative conversational partnership between therapist and client.

Goals:

• Change the way a client looks at their problems
• Alter how they address their problems and concerns
• Change problem saturated stories for new positive outlooks
• Help clients create a self-identity, recreate ones self
• Support the client in seeing themselves in a positive manner

 Techniques:

• A questioning dialogue to support self exploration
• Solution focus therapy
• Change talk
• Miracle question
• Scaling questions
• Letter writing

References:

Corey, G. (2009).  Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (eighth edition). Belmont, Ca: Thomas Higher Education.