|
Some people question the appropriateness of a scientific approach to understanding the human psyche and helping people with troubles both to recover and lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Let me say from the outset that I define science, and scientific reasoning, broadly. I believe that we are all endowed with the ability to reason, as without it we would be unlikely to survive.
Science is a self-correcting approach to understanding ourselves and our universe. As such, it is not based upon any personal or institutional authority, but founded upon evidence that must be open to public scrutiny if it is to be believed. Science is amoral. Scientific principles can be applied to designing safe children’s car seats or dangerous military machines. One can’t look to science, or to nature, to produce uniformly desirable, or humane, outcomes. It is up to us all to ensure, by democratic means, that scientific knowledge is applied in morally acceptable and beneficial ways.
In the history of medicine and psychotherapy, well-documented mistakes have occasionally arisen. Nevertheless, these have not been caused by practitioners being ‘too scientific’ but instead because they were not comprehensively scientific enough and underestimated the complexity of the issues involved. Also, good science is as much about recognising what we don’t yet understand as it is about celebrating that which we do.
|
|
Medical and psychotherapeutic research, while as fallible as any human endeavour, scientific or otherwise, lead to a progressive deepening of our understanding of the human condition. This, in turn, gradually yields increasingly safe and effective procedures, which can enhance both longevity and the quality of our lives.
The very fact that you are reading these words, conveyed via the internet, indicates that you, yourself, are prepared to embrace some of the benefits of science and technology. In psychotherapy and coaching, most people seeking professional help want a safe and effective solution to the issues concerning them. The most compelling case for scientific psychotherapy, of which CBT is the clearest example, is that the clients, not just the psychotherapists, report that it is effective.
So, my aim is to consider the whole person and their environment collectively, to combine empirical findings and scientific principles with compassion and sensitivity and to respond appropriately to the client’s wishes. This approach serves to identify the presenting issues and fosters their successful resolution. In consequence, clients become empowered and enabled to progress towards achieving their chosen goals.
|
(2 of 2)