Workshop #09 — Field Theory
Field theory as a therapeutic approach
Field theory has been called ‘the theory of everything’. It expands our view of experience, behaviour and problems by attending to context — the co-created relational field in which any figure arises. This seminar examines its theoretical underpinnings and its application in therapeutic work.
Orientation
From the intra-psychic to the interconnected
The assumption that an individual is limited to an independent, inherent existence belongs to a linear and mechanistic perspective. It is true only within a narrow frame of reference. Field theory loosens that frame.
Rather than locating difficulty solely ‘inside’ the person, the practitioner learns to read behaviour, mood and meaning as expressions of a wider situation — relational, familial, cultural, historical. The therapeutic conversation itself becomes part of that field, shaping what can be seen and said.
The seminar moves carefully between framework and practice: the co-created field, figure and ground, multiple causality, and the systemic context in which any presenting issue takes its particular shape.
A guiding image
“When we try to pick up anything by itself, we find it is attached to everything in the universe.”
— John Muir
Learning outcomes
What participants will be able to do
By the conclusion of the seminar, participants will be able to:
- 01
Contrast field and intra-psychic approaches
Articulate the difference between a field-theoretical approach to psychotherapy and an intra-psychic one.
- 02
Recognise field-based opportunities
Notice, within a therapeutic interaction, where a field-based intervention is available and apt.
- 03
Understand interconnectedness
Grasp the nature of the interconnectedness of phenomena as it appears in clinical material.
- 04
See the co-created relationship
Recognise the co-created aspects of the therapeutic relationship and the practitioner’s share in shaping it.
- 05
Apply multiple causality
Understand the application of multiple causality to the therapeutic process, beyond linear cause and effect.
- 06
Read systemic context
See an interaction in terms of its systemic context — relational, familial, cultural, situational.
Seminar schedule
A rhythm of framework, demonstration and deconstruction
The day moves between conceptual ground, live demonstration and reflective unpacking — so that theory is met through practice rather than only described.
- 01Introductions in the group
- 02Presentation of the framework of field theory
- 03Field theory exercise, followed by discussion
- 04Demonstration of working with field theory in therapeutic process
- 05Deconstruction and discussion
- 06Second exercise
- 07Further demonstration of working with field theory in therapeutic process
- 08Deconstruction and discussion
- 09Issues arising — group discussion
- 10Third exercise
- 11Discussion
- 12Demonstration of working with field theory in group process
- 13Deconstruction
- 14Issues arising — group discussion
- 15Wrap up and checkout
What attending offers
Practical benefits of the seminar
An understanding of field theory
Gain a working grasp of field theory and its application in psychotherapeutic practice.
From individual to interconnected
Learn the shift from individual experience to an interconnected view of presenting issues.
Embracing complexity
Learn to receive complexity, messiness and chaos as a precursor to clarity in a system, rather than as obstacles to it.
Meaning and context
Develop a sense for the relationship between meaning and context — how each gives the other its shape.
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