Radical Therapy: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Radical Therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that seeks to bring about a radical transformation in the patient’s life. This transformation involves a deep shift in the person’s attitudes, values, beliefs, behavior, and overall worldview. The goal of Radical Therapy is to bring about a change that is so profound that it leads to an entirely different state of being.
The history of Radical Therapy can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when it was developed by American psychologist and psychotherapist Arnold Lazarus. Lazarus’s approach was based on the notion that psychological problems are the result of an individual’s beliefs and attitudes, and that a radical transformation could be achieved by challenging and changing these beliefs and attitudes. He believed that the individual could be empowered to make these changes through the use of tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of psychotherapy.
The key characteristic of Radical Therapy is its focus on transformation. While many forms of psychotherapy focus on symptom reduction, Radical Therapy is focused on creating a fundamental shift in the patient’s attitude, values, beliefs, and behavior. This shift can lead to a profound personal transformation that can have a lasting impact on the patient’s life.
Radical Therapy has been used to treat a variety of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and other psychological disorders. It has also been used to help individuals who are struggling with relationship issues and life transitions.
Overall, Radical Therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that is focused on transformation. It is based on the idea that a radical shift in attitudes, beliefs, and behavior can lead to a profound and lasting change in the individual.
References
Lazarus, A. A. (1989). Radical therapy: Transforming the person through psychotherapy. New York: Springer.
McEwan, K. (2003). Radical Therapy: A critical review. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 3(2), 106-111.
Hudson, T. (2007). The promise of radical therapy: An overview. International Journal of Psychotherapy, 11(2), 40-45.
Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: Guilford Press.
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. New York: Guilford Press.