A search for common ground: A theoretical evaluation and integration of object relations theory, self psychology, the psychoanalytic interpersonal school, and the Atlanta School of Experiential Psychotherapy (Georgia)

Four theories of psychotherapy are extensively reviewed and analyzed: the psychoanalytic interpersonal theory, object relations theories, the theory of self psychology, and the theory of the Atlanta School of experiential psychotherapy. Criteria were taken from various philosophies of science to evaluate the conceptual assets and liabilities of each theory with special attention given to the heuristics or methods of gathering data in each theory and to the ontology of each theory which was defined as the assumptions made in each theory about essential human nature, the nature and development of psychopathology, the goals of treatment, the role of the therapist, and the mechanism of change. Theoretical concepts also were compared to results from psychotherapy process and outcome research to identify empirical support for or contradiction of these concepts. An extensive evaluation then was followed by a suggested integration of some concepts from each theory.