Resolute perception is identified as a common factor in successful psychotherapy. It is defined as the steady and deliberate observation of, or attending to, anything that is intimidating, painful, or stultifying with therapeutic intent. In the context of psychotherapy, resolute perceptionresperception for short-is directed toward something that would ordinarily be avoided, shunned, withdrawn from, or reacted to. The article defines, describes, and develops the concept and discusses it in the context of the dynamics of the client. It is distinguished from focused attention and is illustrated as a fundamental process intrinsic to successful psychotherapy, but not one that all therapy can be reduced to. Resolute perception represents a step toward the goal of a coherent and unified psychotherapy.
Psychotherapeutic change lies at the heart of effective therapy yet little is known about it. In this study, twenty major or significant experiences of change were studied which occurred both in and out of therapy. A phenomenological research design was utilized in an attempt to identify the essential structure of these experiences. Findings indicated several initiating modes that led to the changes, each of which culminated in the act of transcendence or moving beyond contextual limitations. Transcendence is explored in terms of its component aspects of the overarching insight and an array of subtle yet powerful psychological acts. Suggestions are made for psychotherapy in terms of the enhancement of agency, empowerment, and liberation.Regardless of therapist, theory, problem, population, or setting, therapeutic change for the client is of paramount importance in the field of psychotherapy (Strupp, 1988a). However, we remain largely in the dark as to the actual causes and conditions of change (Kottler, 1991 ). This has been the case in spite of the myriad ways of conceptualizing change found in the major theories. In fact, the "almost bewildering number of schools of psychotherapy" (Fowler, 1992, p. 358) has had the adverse effect of diffusing attention from change as a central focus for research. While many outcome studies have provided ample evidence that change does indeed occur in therapy, "outcome studies have taught us relatively little, however, This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.
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