EP90 Conversation Hour 09 - Paul Watzlawick, PhD

Description:

Educational Objectives:

1. To learn philosophies of various practitioners and theorists. 

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

Outline:

Depression and Terminal Illness

• Discusses the lack of wisdom regarding depression among the terminally ill, emphasizing the unique challenges posed by terminal illness

• Highlights the subjective nature of existence and death, noting that religious beliefs provide better preparation for facing mortality

• Emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual's perception of death and fear of dying

• References George Orwell's essay on hunger and despair, suggesting that severe realities can prevent mental distress

Level Three Learning and Bateson's Work

• Asks about the implications of level three learning (Bateson's tertiary learning) and its associated risks

• Explains the concept of learning to learn and the possibility of reaching higher levels of understanding

• Touches on the metaphysical aspects of learning and the limitations of human capacity to grasp abstract concepts

• Describes level three learning as a deeply personal exploration of life's meaning

Self Concept and Human Communication

• Inquires about the role of the self in human problems and therapy, referencing Martin Buber's I and Thou

• Elaborates on the validation of self through social interactions and the importance of mutual confirmation of identity

• Uses Bateson's double bind theory to illustrate the impact of disqualifying definitions of self

• Demonstrates how societal expectations shape self-concept and the need for symmetric relationships for a positive sense of reality

Language and Change in Organizations

• Seeks guidance on using language of change in organizational consulting, drawing parallels with therapeutic approaches

• Explains similarities between working with families and large organizations, emphasizing the need for variety reducers

• Introduces the concept of variety reducers and their role in managing complexity without oversimplification

• Provides practical examples of how understanding attempted solutions can aid in addressing systemic issues in organizations

Function of Symptoms vs. Causality Model

• Questions the transition from identifying the function of symptoms to achieving actual change

• Explains the systemic approach’s focus on symptom function, contrasting it with the causality model of psychoanalysis

• Shares a case study involving a stressed executive to illustrate practical application

• Emphasizes the importance of considering systemic context and the possible consequences of solving surface problems

Evolution of Professional Perspective

• Asks about the speaker’s professional evolution and core issues throughout their career

• Recalls a journey from Jungian analysis to psychodynamics, then Batesonian thinking

• Reflects on cultural shifts and the ease of adapting to new psychotherapeutic philosophies

• Underscores the role of exposure to diverse cultures and languages in developing openness to alternative views

From Function to Change in Systemic Approach

• Expresses uncertainty about moving from identifying symptom function to implementing change

• Outlines the process of tailoring interventions based on understanding symptom function and attempted solutions

• Emphasizes the importance of blocking or replacing ineffective strategies to facilitate change

• Shares practical insights on the effectiveness of targeted interventions in creating lasting improvements

Diagnostic Terms and Their Impact

• Inquires about the utility of diagnostic terms like schizophrenia and approaches to psychotic patients

• Critiques the reality-creating power of diagnostic labels and avoids using them when possible

• Highlights the impact of social pressure on diagnoses, citing the removal of homosexuality from the DSM

• Advocates for functional descriptions over diagnostic categories

Adlerian Influence and Secondary Gain

• Draws connections between systemic approaches and Adlerian principles, specifically secondary gain

• Acknowledges Adler’s influence and clarifies differences between primary and secondary gain in Freudian theory

• Explains the concept of attempted solutions and its relevance to understanding symptoms

• Bridges historical theories with contemporary systemic thinking

Constructivism and Functionalism

• Raises concerns about reconciling constructivism with functionalism when discussing symptom function

• Argues that objectivism, not constructivism, opposes the systemic view, asserting the subjectivity of reality

• Plans to elaborate further in a forthcoming lecture

• Suggests an evolving landscape of psychological theory in pursuit of a more unified framework