Reflexive theory

Critical reflections on Western psychotherapy

Abstract

Abstract

Western – and Northern – psychology and psychotherapy stand accused of an over emphasis on the individual, ego, and self (“the Self”), autonomy, and self-development. These criticisms have been made from other intellectual, cultural, social, spiritual and wisdom traditions, but may also be found in critical and radical traditions within Western thought. In this article, exponents of ten different theoretical orientations within or modalities of psychotherapy reflect on one or two key aspects of their respective theories which, together, offer a holistic conception of the person; account for family/social/cultural context; provide an understanding of the human trend to homonomy (or belonging) alongside autonomy; articulate a relational understanding of human development, attachment to and engagement with others; and emphasise spirit, group, and community. As such, these psychotherapies – and critiques of Western psychotherapy – offer a wider vision of the scope and practice of psychotherapy and its relevance in and to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Whakarāpopoto

E tū ana te whakapae, e kaha rawa ana te whakapau wā ki te takitahi a te whakaora hinengaro o te Uru me te Raki i te takitahi, te whakaī, me te whaiaro (“te Whaiaro”), tino rangatiratanga, me te whanaketanga whaiaro. I ara ake ana ēnei kūrakuraku i ētahi atu tikanga hinengaro, ahurea, hapori, wairua, me te mātauranga, engari ka kitea anō hoki i roto i ngā tikanga arohaeheanga rerekē hoki o te whakaarohanga Taiuru. Kei tēnei kōrero, ko ngā tauira o ngā ariā tekau āhua mau ki roto, ki te āhua rānei o te kaiwhakaora hinengaro e whakaata ana i tētahi, ētahi tirohanga rānei o ā rātou ake aria, ā, ngātahi e tuku ariā tapeke ana o te tangata; whakaaturanga horopaki whānau/hāpori; whakarato moohiotanga o te ia o te tangata ki te whakaōrite (whai tūrangawaewae rānei) i te taha o te tino rangatiratanga. Ki te whakapapa mātauranga whakapā ki te ira tangata, tōna whakapiri ki me te whakapiri ki ētahi atu hoki, ā, ka whakatāpua wairua, rōpū, hāpori hoki. Koia rā, ko ēnei kaiwhakaora hinengaro – paearu kaiwhakaora hinengaro o te Uru  – e tuku tirohanga whānui ana o te matapae me te mahi a te kaiwhakaora hinengaro me ana whakapaanga katoa i Aotearoa nei.