Constructivism in Psychology and Psychotherapy

Constructivism in Psychology and Psychotherapy Psychotherapy Print Constructivism in Psychology and Psychotherapy By Jenev Caddell, PsyD facebook twitter linkedin Jenev Caddell, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist, relationship coach, and author. Learn about our editorial policy Jenev Caddell, PsyD Updated on July 30, 2019 Group therapy. Getty Images Credit: Tom Merton More in Psychotherapy Online Therapy Constructivism is a theory that posits that humans are meaning makers in their lives and essentially construct their own realities. In various psychotherapeutic approaches that fall under the umbrella of constructivism, the client is viewed as an active participant creating and determining his or her own life path. Constructive thinking differs from other forms of modern theory that views reality as fixed and to be discovered by clients. On the contrary, in constructivism, the reality is something that is created. Constructive Therapies Constructive therapies offer a shifted perspective away from the traditional focus in psychology about  what is wrong with a particular client to paying greater attention to someones strengths. It is more optimistic and attends to a clients resources, goals, hopes, and dreams. There is more of a concern about where someone wishes to go in their lives as opposed to their history or childhood.  The client is seen as a pro-active reality creator. How Does One Make Meaning? In constructivist theory, the meaning is not necessarily created by an individual but socially in relation to another. It posits an evolving set of meanings that emerge unendingly from the interactions between people. These meanings are not skull-bound and may not exist inside what we may think of as individual mind., (Hoffman, 1990). Reality is therefore socially constructed. This theory  is similar to that which is  posited in the cutting-edge field called interpersonal neurobiology, which views human identity as more relational than the individual. In other words, we are who we are as we are in relation to another.   Constructive Therapists The constructive therapists role in psychotherapy is unlike the classic doctor role in which the therapist is supposed to heal or treat a patient. While the therapist has skills and significant expertise at facilitation and guiding sessions, the constructive therapist is not seen as the objective expert. In constructivism, there is a deep awareness of the subjectivity that everyone has, therapists included. Therapist and client are therefore seen as collaborative participants as they make meaning together and assists the client in creating his or her best reality as they move forward together. The constructive therapist subscribes to the belief in a socially constructed reality  and sees his or her work with a client as co-constructing meaning together through conversation. The therapist focuses on a clients strengths, and does not look for illness or deficiencies, but rather emphasizes resources. He or she is focused on the future and is both hopeful and optimistic about the clients ability to make positive changes. Forms of Therapy That Fall Under the Constructivist Umbrella Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a form of brief therapy that has been used with all kinds of people, families, and problems. The emphasis, as with many constructivist therapies, is on the clients strengths and solutions that may already be available to them. The focus  on what is already working, as opposed to a focus on what is wrong, yields more solutions as a result. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is used primarily with couples to deepen, enrich and save relationships. While EFT falls under the constructive umbrella, it also is an approach that is largely based on attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of a safe and secure emotional bond with another. Narrative Therapy has been used with children, families, and adults. Narrative Therapy offers clients the opportunity to master their lives through the stories they tell themselves. The Narrative Therapist helps bring forth preferred realities of clients and enables them to essentially re-author their lives. Constructivism in mental health offers a great deal of hope and optimism. With a trusted constructivist therapist who can skillfully facilitate life-changing conversations, new possibilities and opportunities emerge in clients lives.   The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs