Beyond Four Forces: The Evolution of Psychotherapy

Abstract

One framework for studying the evolution or development of personality theory and psychotherapy is the concept of forces—theoretical models, paradigms, dimensions, movements, or worldviews—that have made significant contributions to and shaped the field. This article describes and documents the rise of this evolutionary construct, the identification of the first three forces of psychotherapy (psychoanalytic, behavioral, and humanistic-existential), and the naming of the fourth force given to several, significant theoretical paradigms (transpersonal psychology, family systems, feminist psychology, multicultural psychology, ecopsychology, and social constructivism and postmodernism). In the past decade, a fifth force (social justice and advocacy) has been widely acknowledged. An integrative, inclusive, and holistic conceptualization of psychotherapy is presented as an emerging sixth force. These evolutionary milestones of the field demonstrate an expanding process that has become increasingly more integrative; a more comprehensive, systemic, and holistic approach is needed to better address diverse individual, community, and global needs.