| Constructivism has particular relevance for psychotherapy integration. Because different perspectives are not reducible to one another, cross-theoretical dialogue is advocated as a preferred means of exploration. Dialogue between different constructivist approaches offers sufficient epistemological common ground to more clearly illuminate meaningful differences, particularly tacit assumptions and values.;Consensus between approaches is found at the level of an abstract "scaffolding"; however, in terms of specifics, the views are unique and irreducible, with differences found primarily in terms of interpretation, values, and area of emphasis. The choice to highlight similarities vs. differences is based on both personal and pragmatic considerations.;While all four approaches view the self as a construction or process, and all employ the metaphor of self-as-movie, an ever-changing flux of thoughts and perceptions, there was disagreement as to whether the self is "much more than" or "no more than" this flux. These views reflect differences in values and intentions: the enrichment of subjective experience vs. the dissolving of the false sense of a personal ego. In addition, while there was agreement that contemporary culture presents extraordinary demands on human beings, there was disagreement as to whether to address this problem individually or systemically. Finally, while constructivists value the ability to maintain a creative tension between multiple points of view, they also emphasize choices based on empathy and compassion, since actions lead to real world consequences.;This paper consists of a series of imagined dialogues, which range from the theoretical to the personal. The "participants" are representatives of constructivist approaches from three of the main schools of psychotherapy (the cognitively-based constructive psychotherapy of Mahoney and Guidano; the psychoanalytic relational theory of Mitchell and Aron; and the family systems-based narrative therapy of White and Epston) along with a Buddhist representative, who offers an alternative perspective on nonobjectivist philosophy and practice. The discussions focus primarily on the nature of the self, specifically, how beliefs about this core issue shape and inform therapeutic practices, and how constructivist models of therapy differ from more traditional orientations. |
