Most clinical theories rest upon the bedrock of psychoanalytic (Classical Freudian Theory) and analytic psychology (Jungian Theory). While psychoanalytic theory has lost some favor, and analytic psychology moves in and out of favor, both provide terms and concepts that infuse most contemporary theories. Classical theory talks much about conscious and unconscious process, defenses, and personality structure; Jungian ideas revolve around dreams, archetypes, and the mystical quality of the collective unconscious.
Some of the major theories that emerge from the foundation theories follow.
Object Relations Theory provides the theoretical understanding of issues such as abandonment feelings, and feelings of isolation and aloneness. It also reinforce our understanding of how separateness from others and how the development (individuation) of the self occurs over the developmental continuum, Object relations theory helps us understand the depth of the anxiety and fears associated with development of the self, even under the best of circumstances.
Attachment Theory explains the psychology and biology of attachment. The theory suggest that attachment in early childhood is so central to human process, that there can be no child without maternal (or a mother-figure) and no mother without the child. In other words, attachment in humans is biological, and is the basis of human psychological and emotional process. Also the theory talks about such concepts as "secure" and "insecure" attachment, and attachment that is ended too soon as well as attachment that is held too long. The significance of attachment process in early childhood is that it affects us throughout the life span.
Self Psychology is a theory of the "self", and the development or fragmentation of the self. Selfobject is a central concept reflecting the belief that the relationship between oneself and another (love object) are so intertwined as to be inseparable. Distinction and differentiation is to evolve in the context of the selfobject, i.e., the relationship. The role of narcissism plays large in this theory.
Cognitive Behavioral Theory is largely about symptom management, but maintains a place for deeper, structural understanding through the mechanism of "schemas." Cognitive Behavioral Theory relies heavily on the teaching model, and the belief that most emotional behaviors and feelings are acquired though a "learning" process. What can be learned can be unlearned or modified through self-talk mechanisms, and behavior reinforcements.
Existential Perspectives is, in effect, an “a-theoretical” stance, suggesting a holistic comprehension of the patients needs “in the moment” at hand. It is very much a holding position relying heavily on what has been called the “corrective emotional experience,” whereas in that moment the patient is encouraged to see the choices and options before him\her, and to act or behave in ways the optimizes the potential of those choices.
And finally, Eclecticism needs a brief comment. Eclecticism is a popular perspective drawing from many theories. Clinical practitioners tend to see this perspective as enriching, and as providing a range of clinical options and flexibility. It is not so much a theory, as a way of drawing from theories.
BC&PA
March 26, 2008
