Constructivism

Constructivism is a method of gaining an understanding into a person’s psychological state and developing human change. It impacts many various modern styles of psychotherapy by focusing on both the internal and external systems of meaning-making. Constructivism does not adhere to one specific school of thought in relation to a theory, technique, or unique host of issues; rather it combines several advancements in the general field of psychotherapy including existential-humanistic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, and methodologies used to transform family dynamics. It was developed by George Kelly, Michael Mahoney, Vittorio Guidano, Donald Meichenbaum, Donald Spence, Bruce Ecker, Laurel Hulley, Leslie Greenberg, Harlene Anderson, Harry Goolishian, Michael White, and David Epston.

Additionally, many modern psychotherapy techniques have arisen from Constructivism ranging from personal construct theory to a more recent occurrence of narrative approaches. To fully recognize the impact of these systems, Constructivism considers the foundation of each method and the differing strategies and approaches that each system uses as it serves as a tool for healing.

• Constructivist Theory
• Role of Clinician in Constructivist Therapy
• Resources Related to Constructivism

Constructivist Theory

Constructivism is founded on the belief that a person will better comprehend their own surroundings by reflecting on their personal life events. Imbedded in each person is a distinct set of parameters and thought patterns that we utilize in our daily experiences. To better accept our world around us, we must adjust and modify our mental map. Constructivist therapy targets the sense-making system that a person uses to understand their own life experiences. Every person comes to therapy with a different group of life events, but how that person accepts and responds to each circumstance will determine the actions and feelings that occur in their life. The core of Constructivism is bound by the philosophy that our sense of knowing is not merely a passive expression of the world and events around us, but rather a result of our constructions, or our beliefs and emotions about experiences in our lives.

Role of Clinician in Constructivist Therapy

In Constructivist Therapy, the clinician pays close attention to exactly how the individual has used their life experiences to relate to current circumstances. Rather than seeing the story objectively, the therapist works with the client to create an action-thought-reaction chain of events to unveil the implications these patterns have had to date and what future role that behavior will play.

Resources Related to Constructivism:

The Internet Encyclopedia of Personal Construct Psychology

Constructing Worlds

The Constructivist Psychology Network

The Psychology of Personal Constructs