Constructivism is a theory that posits that humans are meaning-makers in their lives and essentially construct their own realities.
On the contrary, in constructivism, reality is something that is created.
Genetic Epistemology
Genetic epistemology is a field that studies the origins of knowledge.
Group therapy.Getty Images Credit: Tom Merton
Post-Rationalist Cognitive Therapy
Post-rationalist cognitive therapy is an approach inspired by constructivism andcognitive therapy.
This treatment approach focuses on creating cohesive personal narratives and a sense of consistency to improve emotional well-being.
It is more optimistic and attends to a client’s resources, goals, hopes, and dreams.
There is more concern about where someone wishes to go in their lives than their history or childhood.
The client is seen as a proactive reality creator.
How Does One Make Meaning?
In constructivist theory, the meaning is not necessarily created by an individual but socially in relation to others.
It “posits an evolving set of meanings that emerge unendingly from the interactions between people.
This means that reality is socially constructed.
In other wordswe are who we are, as we are, in relation to others.
A therapist might help peopleexternalizetheir experiences by asking questions to guide the conversation forward.
They might also paraphrase and repeat back what a person has explained to help the person gain greater clarity.
In constructivism, there is a deep awareness of the subjectivity that everyone has, therapists included.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapyhas been used with children, families, and adults.
Narrative therapy offers clients the opportunity to master their lives through the stories they tell themselves.
The narrative therapist helps bring forth preferred realities of clients and enables them to essentially re-author their lives.
Constructivist approaches to therapy include solution-focused brief therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and narrative therapy.
The best approach may depend on an individual’s needs and the problems they are dealing with.
A Word From Verywell
Constructivism in mental health offers a great deal of hope and optimism.
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Other important themes focus on social relatedness and development through the lifespan.
Jean Piaget is often identified as the founder of constructivism.
His work also influenced other cognitivist thinkers, including Lev Vygotsky.
Constructivist theories and techniques can be useful when applied to personal problems.
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Hoffman L.Constructing realities: an art of lenses.Family Process.
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Mahoney MJ.Constructive Psychotherapy: A Practical Guide.
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