Reflexivity and its Radical Form: Implications for the Practice of Humanistic Psychotherapies

Author: Rennie, David

Source: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, Volume 37, Number 1, March 2007 , pp. 53-58(6)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Reflexivity has been defined as self-awareness, and radical reflexivity as awareness of self-awareness. Based on a qualitative research study of the client's experience of psychotherapy, clients' reflexivity and radical reflexivity are applied to the concepts of moral evaluation and freedom of will. These concepts in turn are related to psychotherapy clients' relationship with self and with the therapist. It is shown how the nature of these relationships provides a rationale for decisions on the appropriateness of the therapist's direction of the therapeutic process. In addition, specific interventions to offset the power differential between the client and therapist are specified. It is concluded that unconscious determinants of experience and action notwithstanding, clients' self-aware agency plays a significant role in their engagement in therapy.

Keywords: Humanistic psychotherapies; Qualitative research; Freedom of will; Moral evaluation; Motivation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10879-006-9035-8

Affiliations: 1: Email: drennie@yorku.ca

Publication date: 2007-03-01