Multiple Selves in Postmodern Theory: An Existential Integrative Critique

The process of assimilative psychodynamic integration.

“…The concept has its basis in a relational psychodynamic approach, where different selves take center stage in differ-ent relationships. However, it also can be found in constructivist approaches to CBT and humanistic treatment (Hoffman, Stewart, Warren, & Meek, 2006). It is helpful to identify these as the treatment works toward an integration of the selves into a coherent whole.…”

“…However, there is a long history of clinical expertise to support this approach. I was first introduced to this concept in a standard classical psychoanalytic work (Deutsch & Murphy, 1955), but it has reappeared in many forms since, both in more relational psychodynamic works and in constructivist approaches in both cognitive and humanistic psychotherapy (Hoffman, Stewart, Warren, & Meek, 2006). The identification of multiple selves also can form the basis for chair work, a staple of experiential psychotherapy that has been adopted in integrative approaches to CBT as well.…”

Chapter 6. Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy and God Image

“…This is a powerful understanding of the self for postmodern times. Although modernism focused on a reductionistic myth of self, 5 a common postmodernism view erred toward conceptualizing the self as fragmented (Hoffman, Stewart, Warren, & Meek, 2006). Schneider's conception of a paradoxical self allows for various conceptions of self to be integrated into a more holistic conception of the self.…”

“…Postmodern theory and research is rooted in an epistemological pluralism which suggests the best approach to knowing incorporates multiple ways of knowing (Hoffman, Hoffman et al, 2005b;Hoffman et al, 2006). The over-reliance on quantitative and reductionistic models (thin research) of the God image is major concern with the current literature.…”

“…The idea of "myths of self" is developed in the paper Multiple Selves in Postmodern Theory: An Existential-Integrative Critique (Hoffman et al, 2006), which is available through www.existential-therapy.com. The authors suggest that the self is a socially constructed reality, but a construction of great importance.…”