EP00 Invited Address 10a - What Therapists Have in Common in Ideas and Practice - Jay Haley, MA

Description:

Often meetings on therapy focus on differences among therapists; overlooked is what they have in common. Basic ideas are hidden in social and political actions.

Educational Objectives:

1. To describe how students in training often are concerned about differentiating themselves and so differ from each other.
2. To describe three ways teachers can encourage differing ideas for various reasons. 

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

• Event Introduction

  • Hosted by the Milton H. Erickson Foundation (May 2000, Anaheim).

  • Jay Haley recognized for integrating Milton Erickson’s work and influencing various therapy approaches.

• Historical Shifts in Therapy

  • 1950s: Therapists seen as leaders and teachers; long-term therapy common with little guidance on duration.

  • Rise of brief therapy challenged older models; initially dismissed as shallow.

  • Influence of insurance companies and innovation led to new therapy models.

• Concept of the Unconscious and Privacy

  • Erickson redefined the unconscious as a positive force.

  • Therapy shifted from secrecy to openness (e.g., video recording sessions).

  • Contrasts between directive and non-directive approaches discussed.

• Family Therapy and Gregory Bateson

  • Bateson emphasized observing patterns over direct intervention.

  • His collaboration with Erickson and Jackson contributed to the rise of family therapy.

  • Bateson’s later research, including work with animals, influenced systemic thinking.

• Hypnosis and Therapy Dynamics

  • The “double bind” concept explained through hypnosis and symptom formation.

  • Emphasis on viewing symptoms as relational rather than individual.

  • Therapy evolved to consider family dynamics and life stages.

• Commentary on Haley’s View by Otto Kernberg

  • Commentary on Haley's assessment of therapy history.

  • Argues therapy should blend science and art, with rigorous training.

  • Pushes for a more nuanced understanding beyond directive vs. non-directive models.

• Therapy in Institutions

  • Discussion on therapy in corrections and foster care settings.

  • Therapy has moved from private settings to public systems (e.g., state-run programs).

  • Importance of standardizing psychotherapy for ethical and effective practice.

• Freud’s Views on Incest

  • Freud shifted from seeing incest as real trauma to focusing on unconscious fantasy.

  • Debate around cultural pressures shaping his theories.

  • Modern insights on abuse reflect the complexity of these dynamics.

• Final Reflections

  • A 1958 paper linking schizophrenia to family dynamics (double bind) sparked important debate.

  • Shift from blaming parents to empowering them.

  • Emphasis on ethical practices, clear definitions, and standards in psychotherapy today.