The self-confrontation method: Theory, research, and practical utility

Abstract

In recent years, the Self Confrontation Method has garnered significant attention as both a method of assessment and change in counseling. In this paper, the authors provide a review of the utility of the Self Confrontation Method as a practical tool for counselors. Toward this end, the conceptual and empirical foundations of the Self Confrontation Method are first examined followed by a focus on its practical application to counseling. Consistent with narrative and constructivist approaches to counseling, the Self Confrontation Method represents a viable procedure for contextualizing client problems, assessing the unique organization of client self-schemas and emotional patterning, and facilitating progressive client change and development.

Psychodrama: from dialogical self theory to a self in dialogical action

“…This role-taking and dialogue process initiates a lively, exteriorized selfdialogue or dialectical movement between the self-image and an imaginary significant other (or alter image). There are clear correspondences between this dialogue and the dialogue that emerged between Hermans' (2006) client and the portrait, Mercedes de Barcelona, but with Pierre the internal action is supported vigorously by his personally becoming the other in a concrete spatial and temporal context.…”

“…As part of this strategy, the incompatible position is not "cured" or treated as an undesirable symptom, but taken seriously as a partner with whom it is possible to get "on speaking terms". Instead of removing a "maladaptive" part of the self, the position repertoire is enriched and broadened in such way that a health-promoting reorganisation of the self can take place' (Hermans 2006). What is essential here is that for the first time a real dialogue arises between the two internal I-positions.…”

“…researchers have proposed that a focus on client emotion is essential for any therapy to produce long-term client change (Lyddon et al 2006). In this context I can also refer to Greenberg's action-oriented, emotionfocused therapy (Ellioth et al 2004).…”

“…This result is completely in agreement with Hermans. Instead of removing a 'maladaptive' part of the self, the position repertoire is enriched and broadened in such way that a health-promoting reorganization of the self can take place (Hermans 2006).…”

Extending The Metaphor of Narrative to Dialogical Narrator

“…Methods for assessing dialogical self in research and counselling include the Selfconfrontation Method (Hermans, 1987(Hermans, , 1988(Hermans, , 1999Hermans, Rijks, & Kempen, 1993;Lyddon, Yowell, & Hermans, 2006) and the Personal Position Repertoire (Hermans, 2001(Hermans, , 2002b(Hermans, , 2003Hermans & Hermans-Jansen, 2004), the Personality Web (Raggatt, 2000), the Assimilation Model (Osatuke, Gray, Glick, Stiles, & Barkham, 2004;Stiles, Osatuke, Glick, & Mackay, 2004) and Dialogical Sequence Analysis (Leiman, 2004), and, specifically for career development, My Career Chapter (McIlveen, 2006(McIlveen, , 2007aMcIlveen & Patton, 2010;McIlveen, Patton, & Hoare, 2007, 2008. The Selfconfrontation Method, Personal Position Repertoire, and My Career Chapter draw upon a repertory grid approach (Kelly, 1955) as a way of distinguishing between I-positions; they also engage individuals in a process of autobiographical narration.…”