Harlene Anderson

Professional Life

Harlene Anderson, Ph.D. is one of the founders of the Houston Galveston Institute, as well as a founder of both Access Success and the Taos Institute. Dr. Anderson has helped thousands of people through the use of her collaborative theory, which was developed with Dr. Harold A. Goolishian (1924–1991). She works with organizations, teams, families, couples, and individuals to foster improved communication and solution-based strategies, implementing a unique and proven technique that allows positive outcomes for people who have been resistant to other forms of therapeutic treatment. She has been recognized by various communities and associations for her influence on the field of psychology. Her awards include the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s 2000 Outstanding Contributions to Marriage and Family Therapy Award and the 1998 Lifetime Achievement Award given to her by the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Anderson continues to help people throughout the country and conducts lectures and speaking engagements in order to further educate people about the benefits of Collaborative Therapy.  

 

Contribution to Psychology  

Collaborative Therapy was developed by Harlene Anderson and Dr. Harold A. Goolishian, as a post-modernistic approach to creative and solution-based communication. The theory is based on allowing the members to engage their own curiosity, interest, and creative abilities to develop a dialogue that elicits team cooperation and enhancement. This model has been successfully applied across a broad range of sectors. Managers and organizations have been positively impacted by the coaching and insight they gain from Dr. Anderson. She uses her vast expertise in human understanding to develop a bridge of communication for the clients she works with. Collaborative Therapy is a viable treatment option for people who have co-morbid disorders, specifically Bipolar, Schizophrenia, psychosis, and substance abuse issues. Additionally, Collaborate Therapy has proven successful in many body image disorders including anorexia nervosa, body dysmorphic disorder, and other issues that may lead to extreme depression or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. 

 

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