Dialectical Thinking: A Proposed Foundation for a Post-modern Psychology.

For the authors, the way from a modern to a post-modern psychology requires dialectical thinking. Dialectical thinking recognizes the importance of contradiction, change, and synthesis; it also includes recognition of the value as well as limits of modern epistemological approaches. The article describes foundations for both ongoing efforts to understand and research the ontogeny of dialectical thinking and for appreciating the scope of dialectical thinking and its relevance for establishing a bridge from modern to post-modern psychology.

Tracking and understanding phase progression in Lisa's case.

This study adds a phase-by-phase perspective to the well-known, and thoroughly analysed on a moment-by-moment basis, case of Lisa. The aim is to see whether this phase-by-phase analysis adds anything valuable to the understanding of the processes of change in this case and the therapeutic processes in general. In this good-outcome case study, a team of raters integrated the temporal sequencing phase component of the Paradigmatic Complementarity Metamodel (PCM) with a moment-by-moment tracking method-the Developmental Analysis of Psychotherapy Process Method (DAPP)-to analyse what occurred along the process that could explain the phase transitions and consolidations observed and how the therapist facilitated them. We illustrate and explain the therapeutic progression with therapeutic interactions from the dyad. The results suggest that Lisa evolved in accordance with the sequence of phases proposed by the PCM until phase 4 (out of 7). However, only phase 2 gains show evidence of structural consolidation. The sequence of phases proposed by the PCM seems to represent a natural progression for patients throughout the therapeutic process, and the consideration of a phase-by-phase map in analysing and thinking of therapeutic cases may be a valuable tool regarding clinical decision making.

Analysing phase progression in Susan's case.

This study adds a phase-by-phase perspective to the case of Susan, with the aim of better understanding the processes of change in this therapeutic case. A team of 3 raters integrated the sequential phases of the Paradigmatic Complementarity Metamodel with a moment-by-moment tracking method-the Developmental Analysis of Psychotherapy Process method-to analyse this therapeutic process and clarify what happened throughout that may explain phase gains and how the therapist facilitated them. The results suggest that Susan evolved in accordance with the sequence of phases proposed by the Paradigmatic Complementarity Metamodel. We illustrate and explain this with therapeutic interactions representative of Susan's development within the evolving therapeutic process. This case study is the third of a series intended to contribute towards the optimization of clinical decisions in therapeutic processes by identifying markers of phase progression and assessing the value of the therapeutic interventions offered.

Exploring Phase Progression Throughout the Therapeutic Process: The Case of Eva.

This study intends to clarify how Eva [a good-outcome case] developed a more differentiated and integrated sense of herself and her experience, and how the therapist facilitated this developmental process. It aims to deepen our understanding of the processes of change throughout the therapeutic process by analysing a longitudinal case study integrating a phase-by-phase map-the sequential phases of the Paradigmatic Complementarity Metamodel [PCM]-with a moment-by-moment tracking method-the Developmental Analysis of Psychotherapy Process [DAPP] Method. A team of three researchers analysed the sessions from the first year of therapy, identified phase transitions and consolidations, and discussed what in the process appears to have fostered them. The results suggest that Eva evolved in accordance with the sequence of phases proposed by the PCM, which we illustrate and explain with therapeutic interactions representative of Eva's development within the evolving therapeutic process. This case study is one of a series intended to contribute to the optimization of clinical decision making by identifying markers of phase progression and assessing the usefulness of the therapeutic interventions offered. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: Integrating moment-by-moment and phase-by-phase guiding maps facilitates the understanding of therapeutic processes. Therapists' attunement and responsiveness to patients' assimilation capacities supports therapeutic progress. Being aware of both phase-by-phase and moment-by-moment movements in psychotherapy helps lead to better clinical decisions.