A pluralistic perspective on research in psychotherapy:harnessing passion, difference and dialogue to promote justice and relevance

In: Smith , K , McLeod , J , Blunden , N , Cooper , M , Gabriel , L , Kupfer , C , McLeod , J , Murphie , M-C , Oddli , H W , Thurston , M & Winter , L A 2021 , ' A pluralistic perspective on research in psychotherapy : harnessing passion, difference and dialogue to promote justice and relevance ' , Frontiers in Psychology , vol. 12 , 742676 . https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.742676

Abstract

The adoption of a pluralistic perspective on research design, processes of data collection and analysis and dissemination of findings, has the potential to enable psychotherapy research to make a more effective contribution to building a just society. A review of the key features of the concept of pluralism is followed by a historical analysis of the ways in which research in counselling, psychotherapy and related disciplines has moved in the direction of a pluralistic position around knowledge creation. Core principles of a pluralistic approach to research are identified and explored in the context of a critical case study of contemporary research into psychotherapy for depression, examples of pluralistically oriented research practices, and analysis of a pluralistic conceptualisation of the nature of evidence. Implications of a pluralistic perspective for research training and practice are discussed. Pluralistic inquiry that emphasises dialogue, collaboration, epistemic justice and the co-existence of multiple truths, creates opportunities for individuals, families and communities from a wide range of backgrounds to co-produce knowledge in ways that support their capacities for active citizenship and involvement in open democratic decision-making. To fulfil these possibilities, it is necessary for psychotherapy research to be oriented towards social goals that are sufficiently relevant to both researchers and co-participants to harness their passion and work together for a common good.