Client Quest—A Key to Counseling

The expression quest is proposed to represent any unifying theme of client purposes. Counseling is then defined as an interview in which client quest is superordinate to counselor quest. It is suggested that client quests be classified by their direction. Thus, quests may be for understanding or change, and, at a higher level, for mastering self or environment. The identification, clarification, and management of client quests becomes central to effective counseling. Ideally, as an expert in human learning and development, the counselor is a hypothesis maker who works with his client to facilitate conquest. Dissonance is said to occur when the purposive balance is inappropriate to counselor or client quests. The congruent counselor reduces dissonance by discussing changes in the purposive balance openly with the client and by avoiding professional roles in which client quests are subordinated.     

Process and Change — A Markov Model for Interaction

The finite Markov chain suggests a relatively atheoretical model of analyzing and evaluating a complex multi-determined relation as it evolves through time. The model encompasses both stability and change, and it yields implications for personal, interpersonal, and environmental modifications. The approach suggests five forms of change. Three of these derive from the spinning out of inherent forces represented in the structures of systems; the other two forms are more fundamental. Some hypothetical and empirical examples illustrate these process considerations in dyadic and group relationships, and some limitations of the model are noted.     

Information Processing and New Ideas — Lateral and Vertical Thinking*

‘Vertical thinking is concerned with digging the same hole deeper. Lateral thinking is concerned with digging the hole somewhere else.’ This is how the author differentiates between the two types of thinking. Education, according to the author, only teaches vertical thinking because lateral thinking has always seemed impossible to teach. He then outlines why (with the increased interest in creativity and the computer) there is growing interest in the thinking processes. Describing how the brain operates and how creative behaviour may be increased Dr. de Bono goes on to discuss the nature of vertical thinking. It is sequential, based on the idea that one must not be wrong, works on the most promising approach, only moves in a planned direction, only considers the relevant, and tends to build up large established patterns. To describe the lateral thinking process the author poses a number of problems discussing their solution and the difficulties which people normally encounter in solving these problems. Finally, he sets out the four main categories of the techniques of lateral thinking; and the reader's attention is drawn to several books which Dr. de Bono has written on the subject.     

The Milan method—a preliminary critique*

The elegance of the techniques developed by the Milan group has tended to blind family therapists to the many problems inherent in their approach. A close reading of their work uncovers many ethical and political issues which need to be addressed. This paper is a preliminary attempt to develop a critique of the group's method which recapitulates some of the most alienating aspects of the traditional medical model. It will concentrate solely on a critical reading of Paradox and Counterparadox and will not seek to come to terms with the more recent evolution of the Milan school.