Psychotherapy as a Science - Research Paper Example

?Psychotherapy as a Science Introduction Many critics have attempted to define whether or not psychotherapy is an art or science. The debate has become more and more pronounced especially considering that psychology which is closely related to psychotherapy has been considered a science given that it largely depends on scientific research as opposed to psychotherapy which is more flexible. While Freud originally intended that psychoanalysis be a science, the debate on psychotherapy is far from over, with some quarters claiming that it is both an art and a science (Guilfoyle, 2005). Freud in his arguments noted that the mind and intellect being objects for scientific study are exactly the same as non-human things that can be scientifically studied. Indeed the first approach to psychotherapy that is closely founded on the scientific base is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. One person that has attempted to define the scientific nature of psychotherapy is Thomas Kuhn. Based on various theories as outlined below, it is noted that psychotherapy is worth being considered a science. As such, this paper seeks to discuss why psychotherapy is a science and will rely much on Kuhn’s paradigm and arguments. Definition of Psychotherapy Various definitions of psychotherapy have been postulated by experts in the field. Of the various definitions, it may suffice to consider one. Hans Strotzka, a Vietnamese psychotherapist defines the term (as translated by Martin Jandl) thus: Psychotherapy is a consciously planned interactional process in order to influence behavioral disorders and suffering states that are considered to be necessarily treated – this consideration is unanimous between psychotherapist and client/patient – by application of psychological means (verbal or non-verbal) aiming at a defined, commonly developed outcome on the basis of a theory of normal and pathological behavior (Jandl & McNally, 2011, p1). During psychotherapy, the practitioner may employ a wide range of techniques to cure one’s ailment. Founded on dialogue, the development of experiential relationships, communication and change of behavior, the therapist will influence an individual’s or group’s (mental) wellbeing. Many forms of physiotherapy rely on conversation, the activity being very similar to counseling. Other forms of communication used include drama, narratives, written word and music. Generally, physiotherapy is used in the treatment of a wide variety of existential or clinically diagnosable conditions. Most of the approaches to physiotherapy do not conform to the symptom based model of illness-cure. Definition and fundamentals of science In order to establish the scientific nature of psychotherapy, it is vital to define the term “science’ and its fundamental characteristics. A basic albeit professional definition states that science is a systematic activity that constructs and organizes knowledge as testable explanations about the universe. This knowledge can also be used to predict future events that will occur in the universe. Very closely related to science is philosophy. Indeed, philosophers in the likes of Aristotle have noted that science is the collection of reliable knowledge itself – knowledge that can rationally and logically be explained. Today, some quarters note that science refers not to knowledge itself but to the way through which knowledge is pursued. Generally, it is accepted among different experts that science is based on mathematical applications and formulae. On a strict sense however, only philosophy may unravel the actual definition of science all factors not withstanding. In The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (SSR), Thomas Kuhn notes that social considerations are vital in scientific inquiry against previous assumptions that they were not according to Jandl and McNally (2011). In fact, Kuhn posits that the traditional perspective with regard to science as a standard of judgment defies the standing of historical evidence on the development and theoretical change of science. More than ever before, the assumption that science must be value-neutral and objective is being questioned. Currently, it is recognized that assumptions related to values, ethics, rationality and human nature are vital in scientific discovery Jandl & McNally, 2011, p3). Kuhn’s paradigm Kuhn and other researchers have criticized the traditional perspective on science and scientific research. Kuhn insists that science should give respect to the cultural, historical processes that impact research. Kuhn notes that science, as opposed to common belief, is involves not the steady accumulation of knowledge Jandl & McNally, 2011). Instead it encompasses a series of turbulent episodes some of which are in conflict, not always building on each other in sequence or organized manner. Kuhn concludes in his argument in respect of science that scientific facts are not discovered. Instead they are made in such a manner that they are fundamentally theory-dependent. According to Kuhn’s paradigm, scientific knowledge is naturally the common possession of a group, else it in naught. A paradigm on the other hand is beyond the ordinary theory or group of related theories. The paradigm is the complete worldview provided by a specific field or science branch. As such, it is not possible to separate from social and historical development knowledge of science (Jandl & McNally, 2011). The main themes that are characteristic of Kuhn’s approach to science include the following. Emphasis on large scale, long lasting scientific traditions as opposed to particular theories The rejection of the idea of a unique method and acceptance that methodological standards used in evaluating theory vary. Acceptance that observation is laden with theory to such an extent that no sharp distinction between fact and theory exists Meanings of terms vary depending on the context of prevailing paradigm. Kuhn’s paradigm theory and physiotherapy Kuhn’s notion of paradigm states that the epicenter of all knowledge is the collection of people that do research and therefore create knowledge. This community of people determines the theories that are rejected and those that are accepted. The community also establishes for how long the dominant theory in current practice will be and when a paradigm shift is necessary. Kuhn notes that different psychotherapeutic language games exist. These include Gesalt theory, systemic therapy and psychoanalysis, just to mention a few. These games structure differently the mental sphere to an extent that systemic therapy and psychoanalysis are comparable to German and English. It is however possible to shift a person’s appreciation from one language to a different one. In spite of the difficulty experienced during the shift, knowledge is gained. Physiotherapy as a method of treatment has been applied for a long time according to Henrik (1980). According to Kuhn, if psychotherapy can be proved to be on its own a paradigm, then it will follow that it is also a science Jandl & McNally, 2011). Self psychology is one aspect of psychotherapy it focusing on the explanation of psychopathology. According to self psychology which is one aspect of physiotherapy, psychopathology results from unmated developmental and disrupted needs according to Sundberg (2001). The understanding of self psychology depends on several concepts including mirroring, empathy and mirroring. When a self object is inaccessible but needed, frustration occurs. As such there are several theories that surround the knowledge and application of self psychology. Yet again, across the world, it is beyond doubt that there are many expert physiotherapists whose services are sought and who determine the acceptable practices in self psychology and by extension physiotherapy (Wierzbicki & Pekarik, 1993). Considering Kuhn’s language perspective, various terms are used, their meanings in this respect dependent on the context within which they are applied. From these facts, it may be stated that physiotherapy meets the specific requirements that make up a paradigm. Following this, it may be stated with a high level of confidence that physiotherapy is a science if Kuhn’s paradigm theory is anything to go by. Conclusion Many analysts have questioned whether or not physiotherapy is a science or an art. Although closely associated with psychoanalysis which is a science as widely accepted, physiotherapy has remained a subject of great debate considering that it relies less on traditional scientific methods in its application. The definition of the term science is also a subject of debate especially if the philosophical perspective is taken into consideration. The philosophical definition of science is undoubtedly complex and complicates the situation. On the other hand, Kuhn defines science as being closely associated with paradigm is as good as science itself. h paradigm. Kuhn notes that if physiotherapy is a paradigm in itself, then indeed it is also a science. Considering various applications of physiotherapy, Kuhn establishes the authenticity of psychotherapy as a science with his paradigm theory. The various aspects that make up a paradigm essentially exist in physiotherapy. One such aspect is the recognition of method of treatment among a community of practitioners. Beyond this, physiotherapy encompasses a whole range of activities and traditional theories and does not rely on only one theory. With several terms being used depending on context, psychotherapy’s quality as a science is further established. One branch of physiotherapy, self psychology, for example has several terms and positively exemplifies the scientific nature of physiotherapy in various respects. From the arguments posted by Kuhn, it is established that physiotherapy is indeed a science even though it ideally may not be founded on traditional research methods. References Guilfoyle, M. (2005). “From therapeutic power to resistance”. Therapy and cultural hegemony. Theory & Psychology, 15(1), 101-124: Henrik, R. (1980) The Psychotherapy Handbook. The A-Z handbook to more than 250 psychotherapies as used today. New American Library. Jandl, M. & McNally, E. (2011). Psychotherapy as Science. WS 2011/12. Sigmund Freud. Sundberg, N. (2001). Clinical Psychology: Evolving Theory, Practice, and Research. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall. Wierzbicki, M. & Pekarik, G. ( 1993). "A Meta-Analysis of Psychotherapy Dropout". Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 24 (2): 190–195. Read More