Constructivism, restructuring cognitive therapies and contextual approaches

A comparison from the difference

Abstract

This paper analyzes the main differences and convergences between cognitive restructuring, constructivist and contextual models. An initial and brief historical perspective will facilitate to understand the origin of these models, as well as their main epistemological and ontological differences.
These models will be mainly analyzed emphasizing their main concepts and techniques that should be, at best, coherent with their theoretical framework. At the same time, the coherence between theory and practice can be observed through the development of a specific and different type of therapeutic relationship, within each model. As main conclusion, we should emphasize that psychotherapies evolve and may be integrated and combined. Nevertheless, it is beneficial and convenient to keep their differences, being open to the different ways of dealing with psychological problems and treatment perspectives. To frame everything within a unique point of view deteriorates our field and its evolution possibilities.