Beyond Four Forces: The Evolution of Psychotherapy

Colette Fleuridas,Drew Krafcik

doi:10.1177/2158244018824492

Abstract

One framework for studying the evolution or development of personality theory and psychotherapy is the concept of forces—theoretical models, paradigms, dimensions, movements, or worldviews—that have made significant contributions to and shaped the field. This article describes and documents the rise of this evolutionary construct, the identification of the first three forces of psychotherapy (psychoanalytic, behavioral, and humanistic-existential), and the naming of the fourth force given to several, significant theoretical paradigms (transpersonal psychology, family systems, feminist psychology, multicultural psychology, ecopsychology, and social constructivism and postmodernism). In the past decade, a fifth force (social justice and advocacy) has been widely acknowledged. An integrative, inclusive, and holistic conceptualization of psychotherapy is presented as an emerging sixth force. These evolutionary milestones of the field demonstrate an expanding process that has become increasingly more integrative; a more comprehensive, systemic, and holistic approach is needed to better address diverse individual, community, and global needs.

Highlights

The field of psychology appears to be evolving from one that prioritized objectivity and reductionism and defined human behavior, health, and pathology with primarily intrapersonal descriptors to one that has become increasingly systemic, subjective, contextual, holistic, and nuanced. These developments have led to the identification of two additional forces as significant paradigm shifts in psychotherapy: social justice and an integrative, inclusive, and holistic approach to psychology and mental health care
This article offered a brief overview of the development of an evolutionary framework used to identify major movements in the field of psychotherapy for the last several decades
Reviewing the history of these forces provides information about how psychotherapy has been conceptualized from within, by a few, over time. It sheds light on what theorists and mental health professionals may miss as they attempt to be comprehensive in their understanding of human nature and of what may be effective strategies to support individual and systemic change

Summary

Introduction

As demonstrated in this article, several primary theoretical models or metatheories have been labeled as the fourth force in the field: transpersonal psychology, family systems, feminist psychology, multiculturalism, ecopsychology, and social constructivism.

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Conclusion