Structural psychotherapy is a cognitive behavioral approach that derives
from the work of two Italian mental health professionals, psychiatrist Vittorio
Guidano and psychologist Gianni Liotti. These doctors are strongly persuaded
by cognitive psychology, social learning theory, evolutionary epistemology,
psychodynamic theory, and cognitive therapy. Guidano and Liotti
suggest that for an understanding of the full complexity of an emotional disorder
and subsequent development of an adequate model of psychotherapy,
an appreciation of the development and the active role of an individual’s
knowledge of self and the world is critical. In short, in order to understand a
patient, one must understand the structure of that person’s world.
Guidano and Liotti’s therapeutic process utilizes the empirical problemsolving
approach of the scientist. Indeed, the two suggest that therapists
should assist patients in disengaging themselves from certain ingrained beliefs
and judgments and in considering them as hypotheses and theories
subject to disproof, confirmation, and logical challenge. A variety of behavioral
experiments and cognitive techniques are used to assist the patient in
assessing and critically evaluating his or her beliefs.
Sections
Newsletter
Comments (0 posted)
Syndication
