EP85 Workshop 28 - On Eclecticism - Murray Bowen, MD

Description:

Presented will be a teaching tape on the values and perils of therapist-oriented (undifferentiated) eclecticism. The therapist, whether he likes it or not, is a model for the family. An unsure therapist is a poor model when a well defined family is a goal.

Educational Objectives:

1. To know when eclecticism fits the therapist
2. To understand how feeling-oriented eclecticism is detrimental to the model 

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Writing Challenges & Consistency in Psychotherapy

• Writing papers can become more difficult with each attempt.
• Finding a consistent way of thinking in psychotherapy is a challenge.
• Eclecticism involves borrowing ideas from various sources, similar to early Freudian theory.
• Following the most charismatic presenter can be risky.

Introduction to Eclecticism Tape

• The tape explores the meaning of "eclecticism," which comes from Greek origins.
• It aims to clarify its role in mental health.
• Eclecticism means selecting the best ideas from different theories.
• Human understanding develops through structured or superstitious hypotheses.

Human Understanding & Scientific Method

• The brain uses analogies and inductive reasoning to make discoveries.
• Systems thinking applies well to objects but struggles with self-analysis.
• Scientific progress moves from wonder to hypothesis to fact.
• Eclecticism can be applied at every stage, especially in psychotherapy.

Eclecticism & Psychoanalysis

• Eclecticism gained popularity as psychoanalysis declined in the 1960s.
• Psychoanalysis lost credibility as a scientific theory, though Freud remained influential.
• Various therapy methods, including drug and electroshock therapy, were taught.
• By the 1970s, eclecticism became widespread, leaving students unsure of the best approach.

Examples of Eclecticism in Practice

• Therapists and clients often struggle with conflicting treatment approaches.
• A researcher attempted to bring order to family therapy using scientific methods.
• The modern scientific approach proved as ineffective as with psychoanalysis.
• Eclecticism reflects professional uncertainty, amplified by media and publishing.

New Directions in Human Behavior Theory

• Research introduced new variables that shaped a developing theory.
• Emotional illness is seen as a changeable family dynamic.
• The theory treats feelings as functional facts and incorporates evolutionary and systems ideas.
• By 1957, a clearer path to a new behavioral theory had emerged.

Functional Facts & Evolutionary View of Behavior

• A distinction is made between facts and functional facts, such as speech or dreaming.
• Subjective experiences were not initially included in theory-building.
• The goal is to describe behavior objectively, excluding immeasurable elements.
• It was estimated that it could take 200 years for feelings to be recognized as functional facts.

Future of Human Behavior Science

• Human behavior may be fully understood if evolution is widely accepted as a science.
• Family systems ideas are central to understanding behavior.
• A universal theory connecting human behavior, the solar system, and the universe is possible.
• The vastness of human knowledge requires keeping the thinking process separate from theory-building.

Evolutionary Nature of the Brain & Functional Facts

• The brain’s function is to generate knowledge.
• A distinction exists between the brain and the knowledge it produces.
• Functional facts, such as emotions, contrast with traditional facts.
• Theoretical discussions explore defining all subjectivity as functional facts.

Debates on the Origins of Mathematics & Physics

• The origins of mathematics are debated, with references to Carl Sagan and the Mayans.
• The accuracy of the Mayan number system and its impact on astronomy are discussed.
• Questions arise about whether mathematical and physical concepts stem from human thought or the universe.
• The complexity of these debates continues in modern science.

Predictability of Human Behavior & Evolution

• Human behavior follows predictable patterns that can be analyzed scientifically.
• Evolution is viewed as a gradual process of small changes over generations.
• Despite challenges, human behavior is expected to become a recognized science.
• Understanding behavior has implications for mental health treatment.

Schizophrenia & Family Dynamics

• Schizophrenia is examined as a family-related issue rather than an individual disorder.
• A family’s adaptability can affect treatment outcomes.
• The historical "double bind" theory and the ten-generation concept are explored.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in treatment challenges.

Societal Regression & Resource Constraints

• Societal regression is linked to population growth and resource limitations.
• Social regression mirrors individual regression in cycles of progress and decline.
• Population increases strain resources like oil and gas.
• Human innovation may provide alternatives to depleting resources.

Eclecticism & Mental Health Training

• Mental health training incorporates multiple theories and approaches.
• Combining different perspectives can create a well-rounded understanding.
• Eclecticism allows flexibility but has limitations.
• The discussion continues in another recorded session.

Family Therapist Responsibility & Flexibility

• Family therapists should focus on personal responsibility to improve family function.
• Major religions advocate self-change over changing others.
• Flexibility is defined as the ability to adjust behaviors in relationships.
• Some people struggle with breaking habitual behaviors.

Addiction & Personal Responsibility

• Most people have addictions, often to relationships rather than substances.
• Changing an alcoholic’s focus from drinking to a new paradigm led to moderation.
• Personal change is necessary to maintain relationships.
• Historical figures like Carrie Nation illustrate the social impact of addiction.

Eclecticism in Therapy

• Therapy often integrates multiple theories, with psychoanalysis as a foundation.
• Psychoanalytic concepts remain fundamental in mental health professions.
• Family systems theory builds on psychoanalytic foundations.
• Therapists should refine or adapt theories rather than follow them rigidly.

Training & Supervision in Therapy

• Ongoing training helps therapists maintain consistency.
• Balancing professional training with personal growth is a challenge.
• Conflicts between family and individual values arise in therapy.
• Differentiation of self allows individuals to respect differences within relationships.

Values & Family Dynamics

• Therapy encourages family members to navigate differences.
• Separating from family may mean denying part of one’s identity.
• Migration is compared to leaving behind old family ties.
• Therapy can help individuals reconnect with family in a beneficial way.

Scientific Method & Family Therapy

• The scientific rigor of family therapy is questioned.
• While not a traditional science, family therapy follows certain principles.
• Human behavior patterns provide a basis for scientific study.
• Over time, human behavior may be fully understood through scientific methods.

Eclecticism in Therapy Practice

• Therapists select theories based on their needs and clients.
• A mindset beyond binary thinking is essential.
• Political and ideological divisions influence societal views on therapy.
• Viewing behavior as a complex system improves therapeutic approaches.

Media & Public Emotions

• Media often exploits raw emotions, contributing to societal regression.
• Sensationalist content, such as violence and sex, is driven by advertising needs.
• Public exposure of private emotions can have negative consequences.
• The media's role in shaping public perception is debated.

Differentiation of Self in Family Therapy

• Differentiation is a lifelong process requiring careful application.
• Family relationships can be untangled through differentiation.
• True differentiation involves more than superficial harmony.

Adoption & Family Origins

• Understanding family origins is important in therapy, whether biological or adopted.
• Cultural influences, like nannies raising children in Latin America, play a role.
• Family history can impact physiological health, as seen in a case of stress-induced diabetes.

Eclecticism in Therapy Choices

• Therapists face the choice between eclecticism and following a single approach.
• Gaining broad knowledge allows for flexibility.
• The history of theories, like debates over the Earth's shape, highlights evolving knowledge.
• Recognizing the limitations of any theory is crucial in therapy.