Negative Capability as a Factor of Problem-Solving within the Psychotherapeutic Process

Abstract

It is proposed that negative capability, that is, the capacity for tolerating uncertainty, doubt and not-knowing, is a factor that contributes to a problem-solving approach utilizable in some aspects of the psychotherapeutic process. Negative capability can be demonstrated both in therapists and patients. An analysis of the functions of negative capability within the psychotherapeutic process shows five stages in its utilization. These are the activation of therapist's negative capability; which is followed by observations about the patient's response to his perception of the therapist's negative capability; then the therapist's clarification of the patient's problem contained within the patient's response; followed by a working-through by the patient and therapist of the problems which are demonstrated and clarified; and lastly, a transfer to or enhancement of the patient's use of negative capability as a continuing behavioural mode. Some theoretical bases for the concept of negative capability and its application as a factor of problem-solving within the psychotherapeutic process, are proposed. Clinical excerpts from psychotherapeutic work are given to exemplify the stages as defined above.

Current understanding of bipolar disorder: Toward integration of biological basis and treatment strategies

“…In clinical practice, psychiatrists do not always consider the disease mechanism or the brain state of the patient, and, yet, they prescribe drugs that act on the brain. Possibly, psychiatrists function in this gap because negative capability – a capacity to tolerate uncertainty – is a necessary asset for a psychotherapist . However, in other medical areas, mechanistic and pragmatic science are already integrated; for example, in the field of cancer, molecularly targeted drugs are used based on genomic sequencing data from cancer tissues.…”

“…Possibly, psychiatrists function in this gap because negative capabilitya capacity to tolerate uncertaintyis a necessary asset for a psychotherapist. 3 However, in other medical areas, mechanistic and pragmatic science are already integrated; for example, in the field of cancer, molecularly targeted drugs are used based on genomic sequencing data from cancer tissues. Since positron emission tomography (PET) can already detect amyloid and tau in the brain, clinical practice of dementia will be able to similarly treat disease when anti-amyloid drugs and anti-tau drugs become available.…”

Hellenic Integrative Psychotherapy: A Total Holistic Approach

“…Secondly, a psychotherapist is able to help people find solutions to problems that he/she has already solved theirselves. It is important that the therapist is calm and able to endure unpleasant affective states generated either in his patients or in himself (Eisen, 1979;Whitfield, 1980). Thirdly, there are specific techniques, especially in the behavioral therapies-particularly using systematic desensitization (Wolpe, 1958) and implosion or flooding therapy (Polin, 1959)-which directly reduce both tension and fear in the patient.…”