Construing of others in psychotherapy: Personal construct perspectives

Abstract

Regardless of the initial complaints, psychotherapists frequently interpret their client's problems as involving difficulties in personal relationships. This makes achieving a better understanding of the nature of interpersonal construing important for a theory of psychotherapy. George Kelly's psychology of personal constructs provides a perspective on this issue that can illuminate several recent developments in psychodynamic therapy, including Arlene Wolberg's and Hyman Spotnitz's treatment techniques for severely disturbed clients. These techniques are viewed as ways of helping the client to develop more comprehensive and flexible construct systems for understanding other people. A neglected aspect of empathy is also discussed.