Evaluation of a psychotherapy approach.

How do you react to or evaluate a theoretical approach? Each approach can be evaluated in at least several different ways: emotionally, intellectually, and from a multicultural perspective. You can choose to do this portfolio several times during the year with different theoretical approaches. Choose one theoretical approach to evaluate each time:

Briefly describe the psychotherapeutic approach.

Discuss your emotional reaction to this approach. How does this theory's values fit with your own values? What is appealing (or not) about this approach? How would you feel as a client or therapist with this approach? Why?

Discuss your intellectual reaction to this approach. How good are the underlying theoretical assumptions for this theory? Is it generally supported by research in the field? Are failures to support (or inability to test theoretical concepts) fatal flaws? Back up your ideas using clear arguments as well as specific information from the field of psychology as well as knowledge you have from other disciplines.

Each theory can be considered culture-specific to some extent, as it reflects the values and philosophies of the culture of the theorist. However, some theories are better adapted to people of other cultures. That is, the theory may have been developed by a white, heterosexual male, would it work with people who are African-American? poor? gay? Muslim? Which aspects are well- or ill-suited for a diverse set of clients? Why?

This paper should involve active, critical reflection. Ideas should primarily be yours rather than mine, other professors', your text's...

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Last updated August 31, 1998