Contending With Polarization in the Expanding Scope of Psychotherapy

Abstract

The author queried 32 colleagues about their sense of polarization in the field of psychotherapy, using as an example the contrast between generalists (like himself) and specialists. This query was inspired by the proliferation of brands of psychotherapy coupled with the dominance of cognitive-behavioral therapies. His key conclusions: (a) tensions in the field are associated with a multitude of polarities and individual differences; (b) it is folly to reduce polarization to any single polarity; and (c) given the field's huge diversity, we are all specialists. While the author advocates greater integration of theories and methods, he also argues for expansion by including ethical thought into the scientific zeitgeist. He proposes skill in being human as a broad aspiration for therapists and patients.