Contrasting Post-Modernist and Modernist Theories

Attempt to discover, to map, and to know the objective truth consistent with empirical science.

Suspicious of search for the ultimate truths. Few, if any ultimate truths.

Searches for characteristics of healthy vs. unhealthy

Non-normative. Narratives that people tell themselves.

Therapist as expert. Takes charge of and sets the goals for therapy. Goals dictated by one's theory of therapy.

Therapist as learner. Is collaborative. Constructs new stories and deconstructs old ones. Develops a story that is more helpful.

Role of therapist is that of director, choreographer, coach.

Role of therapist as participant-observer with the client.

Treats the "real" problem. The underlying structural flaw in the system that leads to symptoms, e.g.,...