Fundamentals for an integrative model of "Paradigmatic Complementarity"

Abstract

The concept of “paradigmatic complementarity” is presented. This concept implies the sequential or complementary use of assessment instruments, concepts and interventions steming from different theoretical orientations (and “world-views”). Similarities between processes of personal and scientific development are drawn, stressing how they seem to point to an integrative logic. Some research data regarding psychotherapists are also presented to illustrate how the development of their metatheoretical believes and clinical practice seems to shows a spontaneous pattern of “paradigmatic complementarity”. The way different world-views influence the conceptualizations and causal attributions of different theoretical orientations is also analysed, stressing the potential contributions of all of them, used in a complementary way, to capture the complexities of the therapeutic process.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v15i2.497