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19 - The use ofI-positions in psychotherapy

from Part III - Domains of application

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2012

Hubert J. M. Hermans
Affiliation:
Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen
Thorsten Gieser
Affiliation:
Universität Koblenz-Landau, Germany
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Summary

This chapter argues that one of the main advantages of the dialogical self approach in psychotherapy is that it offers, in the concept of I-positions, a more effective way of approaching the multiplicity within the person. The I-positions offer a way of talking which neatly sidesteps the problem of reification inherent in such older concepts as subpersonalities, and ego states and parts. The main advantage of I-positions is that there is no suggestion with them of subordination, of their being lesser in some way than the whole person. The transpersonal is a vast realm for psychotherapy, counselling and coaching, and it has been emerging as a really important aspect of the therapeutic engagement over the past 30-odd years. The chapter illustrates the point that dialogical work can lead us into some very deep areas, and may suggest ways of working which are theoretically quite unusual.
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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2011

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