Epistemic Contradictions in Counseling Theories: Implications for the Structure of Human Experience and Counseling Practice

Theories of counseling process are founded on a logical contradiction in that they are simultaneously objectivist and constructivist in nature. Because this epistemic tension is present across diverse theories and has persisted throughout the history of counseling theorizing, the author argues that it has implications for the structure of human experience. These ideas are examined, and applications to counseling practice are discussed.