Carl Whitaker's Therapy of the Absurd
Carl Whitaker, MD, zany master of family therapy, has developed a therapy of the absurd, a tongue-in-cheek put on that inverts common therapeutic methods and produces dramatic results. Although sharing the same objectives as other experiential therapists, he uses sharply different approaches. He con...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Sage Publishing
1988
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| In: |
Journal of psychology and theology
Year: 1988, Volume: 16, Issue: 2, Pages: 135-143 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | Carl Whitaker, MD, zany master of family therapy, has developed a therapy of the absurd, a tongue-in-cheek put on that inverts common therapeutic methods and produces dramatic results. Although sharing the same objectives as other experiential therapists, he uses sharply different approaches. He contends with his clients, confronts and cajoles them into change. Rather than eradicate the pathology in a family, he attempts to augment it until it “self-destructs.” He makes little attempt to be supportive, to adhere to a counseling theory, or to exhibit sympathy. Nevertheless, some of his work is exemplary for the pastoral counselor. His pattern challenges us to take a strong stand in our faith, to place direct responsibility upon the counselees themselves, and to avoid being overly active in helpfulness. Whitaker's zany methods could inspire our own in being aware and effective. |
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| ISSN: | 2328-1162 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Journal of psychology and theology
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1177/009164718801600202 |