Open Dialogue Therapy is an innovative approach in the field of mental health that focuses on creating a space for honest and authentic communication between therapist and client. This therapeutic model, developed by the Finnish psychologist Jaakko Seikkula, is based on 7 fundamental principles that guide therapeutic intervention and promote collaboration, respect and co-construction of the change process. In this article, we will explore in detail each of these principles and their importance in the practice of Open Dialogue Therapy.
Principles of Open Dialogue Therapy
1. Respect and dignity
The first principle of Open Dialogue Therapy focuses on respect and dignity of the person seeking help. In this approach, each individual's unique experience is recognized and given an active role in their recovery process. The therapist acts as a traveling companion, showing empathy, unconditional acceptance, and genuine interest in the client's history and reality.
2. Collaboration and active participation
Collaboration is an essential element in Open Dialogue Therapy. The client's active participation in decision-making and the construction of solutions is encouraged. The therapist and client work together as a team, sharing responsibilities and power in the therapeutic process. This collaboration promotes the client's autonomy and agency, strengthening their capacity for self-reflection and self-efficacy.
3. Openness to diversity of perspectives
In Open Dialogue Therapy, diversity of perspectives is valued and the exploration of different points of view is encouraged. It is recognized that there is no single absolute truth and that reality is socially constructed through interactions and interpretations. The therapist facilitates an inclusive space where differences are respected and mutual understanding is promoted through dialogue and joint reflection.
4. Appreciation of complexity and uncertainty
Open Dialogue Therapy addresses the complexity and uncertainty inherent in the human experience. It is recognized that mental health problems are multifaceted and cannot be reduced to a single cause or solution. The therapist adopts a posture of curiosity and humility, exploring the multiple dimensions of psychological discomfort and recognizing uncertainty as a natural part of the therapeutic process.
5. Care for narrative and meaning
Open Dialogue Therapy focuses on the construction of meaningful narratives that give meaning to the client's experience. Personal history and the way in which past and present events in the person's life are articulated are valued. The therapist acts as a facilitator of exploration and reflection on dominant and alternative narratives, helping the client to reinterpret their story and create new meanings that promote resilience and personal growth.
6. Promotion of reflexivity and self-reflection
Open Dialogue Therapy encourages reflexivity and self-reflection as tools for self-knowledge and change. The client is invited to explore their thoughts, emotions and actions in a critical and reflective manner, questioning long-held assumptions and beliefs. The therapist facilitates this process of exploration and self-inquiry, providing a safe space for the expression of vulnerability and doubt, and promoting awareness and personal responsibility.
7. Ethics of care and social responsibility
The last principle of Open Dialogue Therapy focuses on the ethics of care and social responsibility. The interconnection between individual mental health and the social, cultural and political context in which the client's experience is framed is recognized. The therapist assumes the responsibility of promoting social justice, equity and inclusion, advocating for the human rights and dignity of all people. The importance of empathy, solidarity and collective action is emphasized in building a healthier and more compassionate society.
In summary, Open Dialogue Therapy is based on 7 principles that guide therapeutic practice and promote the creation of a safe, collaborative and empowering therapeutic space. This innovative approach in the field of mental health emphasizes the importance of respect, collaboration, diversity, complexity, narrative, reflexivity and social responsibility in the process of personal change and transformation. By adopting these principles, therapists can contribute to building meaningful and effective therapeutic relationships that foster the well-being and mental health of their clients.