Psychotherapy as Healing*

I would like to begin with what is, in a sense, my “political” platform for psychotherapy. Herein is a bill of particulars reflecting my beliefs and concerns. Good nutrition, healing energy, medication, acupuncture, or any theory that can help one or more people and contributes to the human condition should be considered of value. There is reason for concern when any single theory is presented as the only truth or panacea for all people, when a technique or even group of techniques becomes a whole theoretical system, when there are specializations in theory and technique or in diagnostic categories and symptoms which treat the part rather than the whole and fragment the person. Essential ingredients in psychotherapy include hope, faith, courage, caring, and the human touch.

Scientific, data-based research must be a continuing process. At the same time we must not narrow our visions to what is measurable or be restricted by the current limits of our instruments. The empirical method of study must never be diminished. It should be recognized that data can give the illusion of truth where none exists. Finally therapists should be arrogant enough to believe that they help people to heal and humble enough to know that they heal no one.

It impresses me that there is a dearth of scientific or psychological literature that focuses on healing as a concept or a process. This is particularly noticeable in view of the frequency with which the word is used. It is probably only less used than the term “growth.” What we are given is an idea that is largely left to philosophical speculation and its relatedness to semantics and personal theory in science. References have been made to healing in such expressions as “time heals all,” “the body heals itself,” and “the healing power of love or poetry.” Probably the most explicit definitions are found in Webster's: “To cure or restore to a sound or healthy condition; to remedy or amend (any evil or grief); to restore to original purity or