How Does “Science” Support Attunement Between Therapist and Client

The word “science” has become subsumed by the concepts reductionism and objectivism which seem the opposite of the fascinating, curious exploration of what lies within “scientific discovery”. In the new book, The Practitioner’s Guide to the Science of Psychotherapy, Richard Hill and Matthew Dahlitz seek to describe their exploration and understanding of the nature of the whole person by investigating the “elements of the system.” What they suggest can heighten our sensitivity to clients and ourselves as both practitioners and participants in the “mwe” world described by IPNB.

In this Living Journal webinar, Richard and Matthew will engage in a conversation with GAINS board members to explore the brain, the body, genetics, and disorders as parts of a system that can be explored through interpersonal approaches such as sensitive observation, dynamic curiosity, and client-responsiveness. These expert practices integrate into what is proposed as the “21st century therapist.”

We are in a time of shift and growth, deeper understanding, and a broader knowledge “about” who and what we are. Richard and Matthew see this as the pathway to a more attuned, interpersonal engagement in therapy and in life. We look forward to exploring these rich ideas through conversation in our next Living Journal.

We look forward to being with you.

Richard Hill, MA, MEd, MBMSc, is a practicing psychotherapist, author, educator, professional supervisor, and a regular presenter at conferences worldwide. His work with Ernest Rossi, PhD, has led to the publication of The Practitioner’s Guide to Mirroring Hands (CrownHouse, 2017) and is co-author with Matthew Dahlitz of The Practitioner’s Guide to the Science of Psychotherapy (Norton, 2022); Education Officer and Managing Editor for The Science of Psychotherapy Academy and online magazine; Science Director for CIPPS in Salerno, Italy; Patron of The Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists; and past president of GAINS. 

Matthew Dahlitz is Editor-in-Chief of The Science of Psychotherapy (formerly The Neuropsychotherapist), psychotherapist, author, and filmmaker. The Science of Psychotherapy Academy provides nearly 1000 hours of learning content for subscribed members as well as a monthly magazine. He has had an eclectic career as an entrepreneur, businessman, paramedic, composer, music producer and freelance writer. He holds three degrees in the social & medical sciences and the arts, but the most instructive schooling has been through life itself. He makes documentaries through his production company Dahlitz Media many of which appear in The Science of Psychotherapy Academy.