JOURNAL ARTICLE

"There's Nothing So Good as a Practical Theory": Some Aphorisms for Doing Good Therapy.

  • Published In: Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 2024, v. 64, n. 3. P. 443 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Mosher, James K. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article presents a pragmatic, theory-agnostic approach to understanding and doing good psychotherapy through a series of aphorisms that simplify the complex therapeutic process. It emphasizes that effective therapy involves addressing clients' avoidance, vulnerability, and personal truths while recognizing that everyone is doing their best yet can improve. Key ideas include the necessity of discomfort in therapy, the importance of honest inquiry ("just ask"), and the therapist's role in helping clients confront difficult realities and personal theories about their problems. The author illustrates these principles with clinical examples, underscoring that therapy is a deeply interpersonal, nuanced endeavor requiring therapists to honor clients' experiences with respect and curiosity.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Humanistic Psychology. 2024/05, Vol. 64, Issue 3, p443
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0022-1678
  • DOI:10.1177/0022167819872307
  • Accession Number:176494251
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Humanistic Psychology is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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