Papers on the Unified Theory of Psychotherapy
Below are the major professional publications on the "unified approach" to psychotherapy. The unified approach (sometimes abbreviated UA) refers to the application of the unified theory to psychotherapy, psychopathology, and the identity of professional psychology. In the formal system, the UA consists of four related ideas, which are: 1) Character Adaptation Systems Theory; 2) the Character Wheel; 3) The Nested Model of Well-Being; and 4) the CALM MO approach to psychological mindfulness. The unified approach an integral part of the Unified Psychotherapy Movement, which joins other leaders in the field in exploring meta-theoretical frameworks that can foster a more coherent approach to psychotherapy, one that transcends the conflicts between the paradigms (i.e., CBT, psychodynamic, humanistic), and instead is grounded in a map of human psychology that is up to the task of describing human behavior in all its complexity.
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Each paper can be downloaded by clicking on the title.
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Character Adaptation Systems Theory: A New Big Five for Personality and Psychotherapy
Although personality theory and psychotherapy were originally closely linked, the past several decades have witnessed surprising gaps between these domains. This article seeks to close that gap via character adaptation systems theory (CAST), which is a formulation derived from Henriques’ (2011) unified approach to psychology that links recent developments in personality theory with integrative visions of psychotherapy via the explication of 5 systems of character adaptation: (a) the habit system, (b) the experiential system, (c) the relationship system, (d) the defensive system, and (e) the justification system. This article delineates the nature of these systems of adaptation and how they connect to modern personality theory and the major systems of individual psychotherapy, as well as how they relate to important domains in human psychology and can be applied in the context of psychotherapy.
Although personality theory and psychotherapy were originally closely linked, the past several decades have witnessed surprising gaps between these domains. This article seeks to close that gap via character adaptation systems theory (CAST), which is a formulation derived from Henriques’ (2011) unified approach to psychology that links recent developments in personality theory with integrative visions of psychotherapy via the explication of 5 systems of character adaptation: (a) the habit system, (b) the experiential system, (c) the relationship system, (d) the defensive system, and (e) the justification system. This article delineates the nature of these systems of adaptation and how they connect to modern personality theory and the major systems of individual psychotherapy, as well as how they relate to important domains in human psychology and can be applied in the context of psychotherapy.
Depression: Disease or Behavioral Shutdown Mechanism?
How depression is conceptualized is a major public health issue. The prevailing model in psychiatry is that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a disease of the brain. However, recent developments in evolutionary theory suggest that negative emotions and depression are likely evolved strategies that facilitated behavioral solutions to problems in the ancestral environment. A Behavioral Shutdown Model (BSM) of depression is offered and explored. The model proposes that depressive reactions are passive, avoidant behavioral strategies that have been fashioned by evolution and are activated in response to situations that are chronically dangerous, humiliating, or repeatedly result in failure to achieve one’s goals. The BSM challenges the disease model because it suggests that many instances of MDD do not involve biological dysfunctions. Instead, this analysis suggests that Major Depression is conceptually more akin to pain than to a disease. The BSM concept and implications for health policy are discussed.
How depression is conceptualized is a major public health issue. The prevailing model in psychiatry is that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a disease of the brain. However, recent developments in evolutionary theory suggest that negative emotions and depression are likely evolved strategies that facilitated behavioral solutions to problems in the ancestral environment. A Behavioral Shutdown Model (BSM) of depression is offered and explored. The model proposes that depressive reactions are passive, avoidant behavioral strategies that have been fashioned by evolution and are activated in response to situations that are chronically dangerous, humiliating, or repeatedly result in failure to achieve one’s goals. The BSM challenges the disease model because it suggests that many instances of MDD do not involve biological dysfunctions. Instead, this analysis suggests that Major Depression is conceptually more akin to pain than to a disease. The BSM concept and implications for health policy are discussed.
The Harmful Dysfunction Analysis and the Differentiation Between Mental Disorder and Disease
Wakefield’s Harmful Dysfunction Analysis (HDA) for distinguishing disorders from nondisorders has received much attention in the literature. Although the analysis has many strengths, Wakefield (1999a; 1999b) fails to appropriately capture the nature of the disorder construct thereby leading to much confusion. A solution is offered suggesting disorder can be thought of as a utilitarian construct. When viewed in this light, the HDA offers an excellent and useful definition of disease for medicine. However, the HDA fails as a useful definition for mental disorders because it contains a greedily reductionistic error that suggests all mental disorders are reducible to biological theory. An alternative way of conceptualizing mental disorders is offered and it is suggested that the HDA’s success in defining disease provides an important piece that allows mental health scientists begin to answer which mental disorders are akin to medical diseases and which mental disorders are not.
Wakefield’s Harmful Dysfunction Analysis (HDA) for distinguishing disorders from nondisorders has received much attention in the literature. Although the analysis has many strengths, Wakefield (1999a; 1999b) fails to appropriately capture the nature of the disorder construct thereby leading to much confusion. A solution is offered suggesting disorder can be thought of as a utilitarian construct. When viewed in this light, the HDA offers an excellent and useful definition of disease for medicine. However, the HDA fails as a useful definition for mental disorders because it contains a greedily reductionistic error that suggests all mental disorders are reducible to biological theory. An alternative way of conceptualizing mental disorders is offered and it is suggested that the HDA’s success in defining disease provides an important piece that allows mental health scientists begin to answer which mental disorders are akin to medical diseases and which mental disorders are not.
The Nested Model of Well-Being: A Unified Approach
Although well-being is a central topic in psychology in general and positive psychology in particular, it remains somewhat nebulous and more work is required to foster conceptual clarity that will in turn lead to empirical advances. The article outlines the Nested Model (NM) of well-being, which is conceptually grounded in a new unified theory of psychology (Henriques, 2011) that maps the construct into 4 related but also separable nested domains: (a) the subjective domain, which includes the first person phenomenological state of being; (b) the biological and psychological health and functioning of the individual;(c) the material and social environmental context; and (d) the values and ideology of the evaluator. By recognizing these elements and how they combine to form a holistic concept of well-being, theorists, practitioners and researchers from many different areas of inquiry will be able to coordinate their efforts with much greater effectiveness.
Although well-being is a central topic in psychology in general and positive psychology in particular, it remains somewhat nebulous and more work is required to foster conceptual clarity that will in turn lead to empirical advances. The article outlines the Nested Model (NM) of well-being, which is conceptually grounded in a new unified theory of psychology (Henriques, 2011) that maps the construct into 4 related but also separable nested domains: (a) the subjective domain, which includes the first person phenomenological state of being; (b) the biological and psychological health and functioning of the individual;(c) the material and social environmental context; and (d) the values and ideology of the evaluator. By recognizing these elements and how they combine to form a holistic concept of well-being, theorists, practitioners and researchers from many different areas of inquiry will be able to coordinate their efforts with much greater effectiveness.
Unified Professional Psychology
UPP combines recent movements toward a unified psychological science, an independent professional psychology, and Combined-Integrated (C-I) doctoral training programs in psychology. The value in the synthesis of these ideas is that they (a) provide a comprehensive system of thought that defines the science and practice of psychology in a commensurable manner, (b) offer a clear identity for the professional psychologist, and (c) set the stage for a training model that develops competencies that will prepare graduates to serve as leaders and advocates in a wide array of health settings. Issues pertaining to why a new view is needed and how UPP specifies the science–practice relationship are addressed in detail.
UPP combines recent movements toward a unified psychological science, an independent professional psychology, and Combined-Integrated (C-I) doctoral training programs in psychology. The value in the synthesis of these ideas is that they (a) provide a comprehensive system of thought that defines the science and practice of psychology in a commensurable manner, (b) offer a clear identity for the professional psychologist, and (c) set the stage for a training model that develops competencies that will prepare graduates to serve as leaders and advocates in a wide array of health settings. Issues pertaining to why a new view is needed and how UPP specifies the science–practice relationship are addressed in detail.
The Unified Theory: The Entry in the SAGE Encyclopedia of Theory in Counseling and Psychotherapy
This article offers a brief summary on how the unified theory sets the stage for unifying the major approaches to the field of psychotherapy (e.g., modern psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral) into a coherent whole. It achieves this synthesis by applying a set of ideas that, Henriques argues, defines the science of human psychology and integrates it to the art and practice of psychotherapy. Central to this approach to psychotherapy is adaptive living—that is, when an individual maximizes valued states of being, given his or her capacities, needs, and situation. Related to adaptive living, much of personality can be described in terms of systems of character adaptation, which are the unique and specific ways in which individuals adjust and respond to situations in their lives.
This article offers a brief summary on how the unified theory sets the stage for unifying the major approaches to the field of psychotherapy (e.g., modern psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral) into a coherent whole. It achieves this synthesis by applying a set of ideas that, Henriques argues, defines the science of human psychology and integrates it to the art and practice of psychotherapy. Central to this approach to psychotherapy is adaptive living—that is, when an individual maximizes valued states of being, given his or her capacities, needs, and situation. Related to adaptive living, much of personality can be described in terms of systems of character adaptation, which are the unique and specific ways in which individuals adjust and respond to situations in their lives.
A Unified Approach to Conceptualizing People in Psychotherapy
In line with the central thrust of Anchin and Magnavita’s (2008) claim that unification is the next wave in psychotherapy, this article advances the argument by articulating a unified approach to conceptualizing people in psychotherapy that coherently integrates a biopsychosocial view with modern research in personality and the major perspectives in individual psychotherapy (i.e., behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic and humanistic).
In line with the central thrust of Anchin and Magnavita’s (2008) claim that unification is the next wave in psychotherapy, this article advances the argument by articulating a unified approach to conceptualizing people in psychotherapy that coherently integrates a biopsychosocial view with modern research in personality and the major perspectives in individual psychotherapy (i.e., behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic and humanistic).
Character Adaptation Systems Theory: A Holistic Meta-Theory for Conceptualizing Clients
In a series of publications, Henriques (2003, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2016) outlined a holistic meta-theoretical framework that provides the conceptual structure for the unification of psychological science. Grounded in this framework, Henriques (2017) offered Character Adaptation Systems Theory (CAST; Henriques, 2017) that builds bridges between recent integrative formulations in personality theory and unified visions of psychotherapy. Through a single case (Caroline), this article explores the components, basic assumptions, and approaches to treatment of major theoretical approaches (e.g., Behavioral, Cognitive, Neo-humanistic, Interpersonal, Psycho -dynamic). Finally, “Caroline’s” functioning is described via CAST in a way that demonstrates how it enables the integration and assimilation of the key insights from the major perspectives into a more coherent, holistic map.
In a series of publications, Henriques (2003, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2016) outlined a holistic meta-theoretical framework that provides the conceptual structure for the unification of psychological science. Grounded in this framework, Henriques (2017) offered Character Adaptation Systems Theory (CAST; Henriques, 2017) that builds bridges between recent integrative formulations in personality theory and unified visions of psychotherapy. Through a single case (Caroline), this article explores the components, basic assumptions, and approaches to treatment of major theoretical approaches (e.g., Behavioral, Cognitive, Neo-humanistic, Interpersonal, Psycho -dynamic). Finally, “Caroline’s” functioning is described via CAST in a way that demonstrates how it enables the integration and assimilation of the key insights from the major perspectives into a more coherent, holistic map.
The Behavioral Shutdown Model: A Consilient Biopsychosocial View of Depression
The current chapter describes the Behavioral Shutdown Model – a new framework for understanding depression that moves past disputes about whether it is a disease, effectively aligning biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. It begins with an examination of the major disputes regarding the construct of mental disorders in general and depression in particular. The origin of these disputes stems from the fundamentally fragmented nature of the field of psychology, as well as the many social and policy implications of considering depression as a disease or not. A new general framework for solving the problem of psychology has been developed (Henriques 2011), which provides a more effective way to conceptualize the physical, biological, psychological, and social dimensions of behavioral complexity. This “unified theory” sets the stage for the idea that depression describes individuals in a state of mental behavioral shutdown. When framed this way, a new understanding emerges that can assimilate and integrate empirical findings about depression from biology, neuroscience, psychology, and the social sciences, while providing a workable description of the phenomena for the public.
The current chapter describes the Behavioral Shutdown Model – a new framework for understanding depression that moves past disputes about whether it is a disease, effectively aligning biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. It begins with an examination of the major disputes regarding the construct of mental disorders in general and depression in particular. The origin of these disputes stems from the fundamentally fragmented nature of the field of psychology, as well as the many social and policy implications of considering depression as a disease or not. A new general framework for solving the problem of psychology has been developed (Henriques 2011), which provides a more effective way to conceptualize the physical, biological, psychological, and social dimensions of behavioral complexity. This “unified theory” sets the stage for the idea that depression describes individuals in a state of mental behavioral shutdown. When framed this way, a new understanding emerges that can assimilate and integrate empirical findings about depression from biology, neuroscience, psychology, and the social sciences, while providing a workable description of the phenomena for the public.
Teaching Clinical Decision Making
This book chapter describes how I teach clinical decision making. Specifically, it spells out the tensions between "empirical/data based" and "romantic/intuitive" based approaches and articulates a balanced "rationalist" approach. Specifically, it emphasizes that one's conceptual scheme bridges the research findings with practice, and argues that clinicians need coherent, broad approaches like Character Adaptation Systems Theory to make that bridge. The article further advances the conception of evidence based practice by articulating a heuristic for approaching research findings, called "TEST RePP." The acronym stands for Theoretically and Empirically Supported Treatment and Relationship Processes and Principles. The chapter concludes with a list of key, evidence based principles that should guide effective practice.
This book chapter describes how I teach clinical decision making. Specifically, it spells out the tensions between "empirical/data based" and "romantic/intuitive" based approaches and articulates a balanced "rationalist" approach. Specifically, it emphasizes that one's conceptual scheme bridges the research findings with practice, and argues that clinicians need coherent, broad approaches like Character Adaptation Systems Theory to make that bridge. The article further advances the conception of evidence based practice by articulating a heuristic for approaching research findings, called "TEST RePP." The acronym stands for Theoretically and Empirically Supported Treatment and Relationship Processes and Principles. The chapter concludes with a list of key, evidence based principles that should guide effective practice.
The Root of Suffering: How to Fight the Neurotic Loop of Negative Reactions to Negative Feelings
This is a Psychology Today Magazine article that describes the Neurotic Loop, which refers to how people often have negative reactions to negative feelings, which creates a vicious cycle. It also includes a brief description of CALM MO, which is the Unified Approach for untangling this loop and handling distress and conflict more generally.
This is a Psychology Today Magazine article that describes the Neurotic Loop, which refers to how people often have negative reactions to negative feelings, which creates a vicious cycle. It also includes a brief description of CALM MO, which is the Unified Approach for untangling this loop and handling distress and conflict more generally.
The Well-Being Initiative: A Pitch for Enhancing College Student Well-Being
This twenty minute video is a pitch I made to James Madison University’s version of “Shark Tank.” I reviews key problems with college student mental health and lays out a “well-being initiatve” that would involve tracking, assessment and treatment systems for college community. It was well-received, but ultimately not funded in a way that could result in its full launch.
This twenty minute video is a pitch I made to James Madison University’s version of “Shark Tank.” I reviews key problems with college student mental health and lays out a “well-being initiatve” that would involve tracking, assessment and treatment systems for college community. It was well-received, but ultimately not funded in a way that could result in its full launch.
Letters to the Clinical Psychologist on PTSD Practice Guidelinesclinical_psychologist_--letters_on_ptsd_guidelines.pdf
Recently the APA released practice guidelines for PTSD. I had some criticisms and was invited to share my concerns in a letter format. My letter and several others are included here (pages 11-20).
Recently the APA released practice guidelines for PTSD. I had some criticisms and was invited to share my concerns in a letter format. My letter and several others are included here (pages 11-20).
College Student Mental Health and Resiliency Webinar
This is a webinar put on by Empower Idaho covers the current state of mental health in college students, specifically "The College Student Mental Health Crisis" (CSMHC), possible causes of the CSMHC, including reasons why emotional resilience might be down, and an approach to psychological mindfulness that fosters the adaptive processing of negative feelings.
This is a webinar put on by Empower Idaho covers the current state of mental health in college students, specifically "The College Student Mental Health Crisis" (CSMHC), possible causes of the CSMHC, including reasons why emotional resilience might be down, and an approach to psychological mindfulness that fosters the adaptive processing of negative feelings.
