Psychotherapy and evolutionary psychology: A deeper understanding

In his latest online article, Dr George Fieldman gives us his insights into psychotherapy and evolutionary psychology. He explores evolutionary psychology, evolutionary psychology’s influence on psychotherapy, the enhanced effectiveness of psychotherapy through evolutionary psychology and the ideal candidates for psychotherapy.

Exploring evolutionary psychology:

Evolutionary psychology is an approach that delves into our cognitive and behavioural tendencies through the lens of evolutionary biology. It posits that the thoughts and emotions guiding our actions have evolved through natural selection to aid our ancestors in survival and reproduction.

Conventional medical and psychotherapeutic approaches usually address conscious issues, yet these stem from a chain of events often hidden from the individual's awareness. Evolutionary psychology can shed light on the underlying reasons behind our collective mental functioning. For instance, conditions like autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) are typically seen as disorders with specific deficits. However, viewed through the evolutionary psychology prism, it's plausible that these conditions, with strong genetic ties, offered more advantages than disadvantages in our ancestral environment.

This perspective empowers individuals with ASD, normalising their experiences and fostering a more compassionate understanding of reality. In the realm of recent psychotherapy and societal trends, the concept of neurocognitive diversity emerges as a constructive approach. It underscores that many differences between individuals have genetic, neurobiological, and environmental foundations, highlighting the importance of treating these differences with respect and empathy.

Evolutionary psychology's influence on psychotherapy:

Regrettably, the integration of an evolutionary psychological outlook into psychotherapy education has not yet gained widespread acceptance. Visionaries in this field, such as Professor Robin Dunbar and Professor Paul Gilbert, recognise its pivotal role in comprehending human thought and behaviour holistically. Consider social anxiety, a common concern affecting many individuals, especially the younger generation.

Social anxiety leads us to be cautious and wary of unfamiliar people, a trait that was beneficial in our ancestral environment teeming with physical threats. Understanding the evolutionary origins of social anxiety can help individuals feel less abnormal and more empowered, ultimately aiding their engagement in cognitive-behavioural interventions to address their issues.

Enhanced effectiveness of psychotherapy through evolutionary psychology:

A prominent issue in psychotherapy is avoidance—the tendency to evade our problems, which often underpins the development and persistence of psychological issues. In a liberal society offering greater personal freedom, we have the choice to avoid many necessary experiences, providing short-term relief but inflicting long-term psychological costs. In contrast, our ancestors didn't have the luxury of avoidance. They had to engage to survive.

Understanding these historical perspectives can empower clients, offering insights that might not otherwise be readily available. Throughout my career as a psychologist, I've observed how evolutionary psychology explanations can empower clients and provide a level of insight that might otherwise be elusive.

Ideal candidates for psychotherapy:

Ideal candidates for psychotherapy are those who can openly discuss their private concerns and form a strong therapeutic connection with their psychotherapist. They should be capable of providing constructive feedback during sessions, enabling the collaborative resolution of disagreements and challenges within the therapeutic relationship. Imagine a surgical metaphor: when you have a problem with your hand that requires surgical intervention, you consult a surgeon.

However, in psychotherapy, there is no direct access to the problem. The therapist's role is to guide and educate the client, who operates on their issues with the therapist's support, akin to using their good hand to address the problem hand. This collaborative approach, emphasising the quality of the therapeutic alliance, is crucial to achieving success in psychotherapy.

Dr George Fieldman is a distinguished chartered psychologist. You can schedule an appointment with Dr Fieldman on his Top Doctors profile.