Model of psychology

In psychotherapy and counselling theory, the evolution of models has progressed roughly along the following lines: • Monist: A single 'whole world view' model, for example, Freudian psychoanalysis • Eclectic: A potpourri of techniques unconnected by a core linking philosophy • Integrative: Two or more models judged as complementary and studied together (HIPS, 1994). Monist theories held sway until roughly the 1950s, when eclecticism arose. Integrative models are currently fashion�able (Dryden, 1992).
Kelly (1995) stated that occupational therapy has 'traditional�ly been eclectic in its choice of philosophies of practice'. This, I suggest, has been and still is a fundamental problem for the profession. To make eclecticism work authentically requires an exceptionally broad knowledge base and depth of under�standing. It isn't an easy option, but can appear so to people not prepared to make any serious effort to understand what they actually do (Flew, 1979). 'Vicarious eclecticism', or eclec�ticism by proxy, is often encouraged in training schools, so that students don't learn directly by experience. This 'tran�scription error' is then passed down the generations of stu�dents rather like a malignant gene. The term 'eclectic philoso�phy' is almost an oxymoron, in that eclecticism in therapy is an applied method without a core philosophy.Richards, S. (1995). “Dialectical Syncretism” and Occupational Therapy. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 58(4), 161–162. doi:10.1177/030802269505800406