Theoretical Paper How to skin a cat: A case for and against the use of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in pluralistic therapy

Abstract

Content and FocusThis paper seeks to answer the following question: ‘How can a pluralistic therapist use a single school approach and remain faithful to their philosophical and collaborative base?’ To do this it explores some of the difficulties associated with integrative/eclectic approaches to therapy. Within this it discusses pluralistic philosophy and suggests that the proverb ‘there is more than one way to skin a cat’ is a helpful way of summarising pluralistic philosophy. From there it discusses Cooper and McLeod’s (2011) Pluralistic Framework for counselling and psychotherapy as an integrative approach and focuses on two distinguishing elements of it; namely that it has its basis in pluralistic philosophy rather than psychological theory and that it is collaborative in nature. The discussion then turns towards mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and the theory and research evidence that underpins it with a view to considering how a single school approach may fit with a pluralist approach. The paper reflects upon two opposing answers to the dilemma that is inherent within the question referred to at the outset of this abstract, suggesting rationale both for and against the use of MBCT from a pluralistic position.ConclusionThe paper concludes by offering the concept of Pragmatic Pluralism as a way for pluralistic therapists to undergird their therapeutic decision making.