What does "process-oriented" mean?

[HopeAlive]

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Wiki says, "Process oriented psychology (POP), also known as Process Work, refers to a body of theory and practice developed by Arnold Mindell that encompasses a broad range of psychotherapeutic, personal growth, and group process applications." It adds "Although bearing similar names, Process-oriented psychology as developed by Mindell is distinct from Process psychology derived from Whitehead's Process philosophy."

I hear people talk about it and I worry I'm gonna look dumb asking them what they mean. So people say "Oh, Dr X is too process-oriented" or "I wonder if my report was too process-oriented for the on-call neurologist." I've heard people use "process oriented" to describe people, therapies, classes, whatever. Any lit refs also appreciated.

 

[dumbledoresgirl]

I'm not really familiar with this term, but here's a website that explains what it is:

http://www.aamindell.net/category/processwork-theory-applications/what-is-processwork/

 

[KillerDiller]

When people use the phrases you mentioned, I'm not sure they're being that exacting with their terminology. They probably aren't referring to one theory versus another. I think, more colloquially, "process oriented" means attending to the relationship between the therapist and the client. So if someone's notes are too process oriented, it means the person is spending a lot of time writing about how the client responded to the therapist's words, posture, etc. in the moment. Some professionals consider this type of info more relevant than others.

 

[G Costanza]

I'll add that it might also include the therapist's reactions to the client. Interpersonal process theory goes even further and creates a dialogue between the therapist and client in session discussing how each person is experiencing the other in that moment. Although awkward for some clients at first, I find it to be an interesting and valuable way of gathering information.

 

[Pragma]

When one uses the term "process-oriented" in the context of neuropsychology, they usually are referring to efforts by some (e.g., Edith Kaplan) to go beyond scores and quantitative measures and focus on how patients approach the tests they are given. Qualitative observation and an emphasis on component scores characterize this type of assessment.

 

[HopeAlive]

Thank you very much. I think I have a better idea what people mean now when using "process oriented." 🙂

 

[paramour]

Takes me back to my group counseling class.

Every. Single. Day. "TRUST THE PROCESS!" (Seriously, it was their mantra...)

Good thing they never defined that process (even when asked) because well. you'll know it when you see it, and you should just trust it. 🙄