Non-directivity as a therapeutic stance, and dimension of therapeutic relating
Author
Summary, in English
Abstract in Undetermined
This paper contains an analysis of the concept of nondirectivity, a discussion of some arguments against the possibility of being nondirective, and a concluding argument that nondirectivity/directivity represents a basic dimension of therapeutic relating. First, it is argued that nondirectivity should be seen as an attitude rather than a set of behaviors, and that therapeutic interventions can be either directive or nondirective. Second, three arguments against the possibility of being nondirective are discussed: the impossibility of not influencing clients, the unavoidability of biases, and clients perceiving directivity in the therapist. The suggestion is made that nondirectivity always exists in a context of directive influences, and that optimal nondirectivity requires awareness of these. Finally, it is argued that the stance of nondirectivity is more or less important to various therapists’ work, and that nondirectivity/directivity may represent a basic dimension in a potential integrative theory of psychotherapy.
This paper contains an analysis of the concept of nondirectivity, a discussion of some arguments against the possibility of being nondirective, and a concluding argument that nondirectivity/directivity represents a basic dimension of therapeutic relating. First, it is argued that nondirectivity should be seen as an attitude rather than a set of behaviors, and that therapeutic interventions can be either directive or nondirective. Second, three arguments against the possibility of being nondirective are discussed: the impossibility of not influencing clients, the unavoidability of biases, and clients perceiving directivity in the therapist. The suggestion is made that nondirectivity always exists in a context of directive influences, and that optimal nondirectivity requires awareness of these. Finally, it is argued that the stance of nondirectivity is more or less important to various therapists’ work, and that nondirectivity/directivity may represent a basic dimension in a potential integrative theory of psychotherapy.
Department/s
Publishing year
2012
Language
English
Pages
225-239
Publication/Series
Person-Centered & Experiential Psychotherapies
Volume
11
Issue
3
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Topic
- Psychology
Keywords
- nondirectivity
- psychotherapy integration
- bias
- influence
- empathy
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1752-9182