Between Conviction and Uncertainty: Philosophical Guidelines for the Practicing Psychotherapist (Suny Series, Alternatives in Psychology) [Paperback]

Jerry N. Downing (Author)

Book Description

Series: Suny Series, Alternatives in Psychology | Publication Date: July 2000

At a time when scores of seemingly incompatible theories and methods are competing for ascendancy in psychotherapy, one could argue that the crucial intellectual and moral dilemmas of this field are largely philosophical in nature. Yet most psychotherapists are never formally exposed to philosophical thinking during their training years or subsequent careers. Between Conviction and Uncertainty: Philosophical Guidelines for the Practicing Psychotherapist makes a significant contribution by bridging this gap. Jerry Downing examines and clarifies the philosophical context--epistemological, scientific, moral--within which psychotherapy functions. He demonstrates the necessity of maintaining a creative tension--a dialectic--between conviction and uncertainty in the work of the therapist and, more importantly, he explores in depth how this might be done. Further, he presents these sometimes complex ideas in prose that is truly reader-friendly. This book should appeal to all practitioners, supervisors, and students/trainees who find value in reflecting on the nature of psychotherapeutic practice, as well as to readers with theoretical or philosophical interests in psychotherapy.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Psychologist Downing (counseling, Univ. of San Francisco) has an impressive grasp of contemporary philosophy as applied to psychotherapy, the ability to teach what he knows, and an admirable commitment to ethical principles. Most practitioners of the science and art of psychotherapy will benefit from this fine book, which fills a great need: few teacher-supervisors of psychotherapists are equipped to deal with Popper, Kuhn, Bernstein, Cushman, Derrida, Feyerabend, Foucault, Lyotard, Mahoney, and Polkinghorne. Downing presents six philosophical assumptions or "lived modes of knowing": realist, representational, perspectival, dialogical, critical, and nihilistic. This aspect of self-awareness tends to be slighted by therapists, compared with countertransference but is every bit as important. Accessible but not easy reading, this book sets a standard and will be welcomed by anyone concerned with the interface of philosophy, psychology, ethics, and the helping of professions. Highly recommended for these four specialty areas.
E. James Lieberman, George Washington Univ. Sch. of Medicine, Washington, DC
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Jerry N. Downing is Training Director at the Counseling Center, University of San Francisco.

Product Details

• Paperback: 333 pages
• Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr (July 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 079144628X
• ISBN-13: 978-0791446287
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,913,877 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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