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In Psychology, how do you know which theory or theories are a good foundation?

In Psychology, how do you know which theory should be the basis of your interventions?

psychology clinical-psychology mental-health psychiatry spring23
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Gena’s Answer

Hi Tonya,

This is an excellent question! The best way to decide which theory should inform interventions is keep a client centred focus, as opposed to theory centred focus.

A client centred focus keeps the spotlight on the unique individual as a whole person, with theory in the background. A theory centred approach starts with the theory and fits this over the top of the individual.

I think Carl Rogers work and Humanistic Theory are great foundations as they encourage therapists to see people as individuals and focus more on the therapist creating the right conditions for change, rather than focusing on goals, outcomes and behaviour and symptoms as isolated ‘things’.

A client centred approach won’t ignore symptoms and behaviour but it focussed more on the individual as a whole person and doesn’t see symptoms as separate and isolated objects but meaningful parts of a whole system.

Many therapists will start out by being exposed to a wide range of theories and over time gravitate towards the ones that are a natural fit for them, refining their learning over time. I have read that there are over 400 different evidence based treatments so it can be a little overwhelming which to choose. Staying focussed on the client and trying to understand them as a unique individual can assist reduce this overwhelm. If a therapist can really listen and really stay with their client moment to moment, a theory or intervention will naturally arise from this process. This is different to starting with the theory first and fitting this over the top of the client.

Gena
Thank you comment icon Hello Dr Holmes, Thank you so much for this response! Ironically, I naturally gravitate towards Carl Rogers’ person centered approach. However, I wanted to make sure I was not being biased or running the risk of applying a theory ‘over the top of a client.’ This helps me to be more confident while diving deeper into the many theories we are studying at the undergraduate level, because it leaves me always focused on the most important element in the therapeutic environment ~ the human and their unique experience. Thank you again for your insight and wisdom 😌 Many thanks to you. Warm regards, Tonya Tonya
Thank you comment icon I think your client centred inclination shows in the question itself Tonya. Someone more inclined towards focussing on the individual will naturally wonder of all the theories which is the best for this person. So many to choose from! More theory focussed approach involves a bit less thinking and less contemplation, simply pick a theory and stick to that. I also find it ironic that client centered in itself is a theory 😊😊 Gena Holmes
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Judith-Ann’s Answer

Hi, Tonya. There are many theories and some work for some and others work for others. I think a very good approach is to study respect and compassion for the uniqueness of each individual and to uphold unconditional regard for each client. With this as a basis, you can study all the theories and philosophies and psychologists to find the techniques that work best for you to offer the solid foundation of respect, compassion, and unconditional regard.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much Dr Judith-Ann, I believe your approach of ‘respect, compassion and positive regard’ would be a wonderful way to create a healthy environment for clients. Thank you very much for your time and guidance ☺️ Tonya
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Katherine’s Answer

I recommend being familiar with what Henry Cloud and John Townsend have done over the years--something like the Townsend Institute's fellows and programs are good; and with Terry Real and his Relational Life Therapy etc. and what he's written and does.

The writings of David Kessler for grief, Gary Chapman (5 Love Languages etc. guy) for relationships, Ross Campbell for parenting, Beyond Mars and Venus and What You Can Feel, You Can Heal by John Gray for "men versus women" and dating/relationships/communication, and just being familiar with all sorts of various 12-step programs and materials and traditions for mental health and more are all good.
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