Changing conscious experience: comparing clinical approaches, practice and outcomes

Abstract

The paper offers an integrative review of personal development procedures designed to improve conscious experience and enhance well-being. The review is in four parts. The first part presents an overview of the various therapeutically oriented approaches offered in the clinical and personal development fields, contrasting six key schools. The second part examines practice, noting key assumptions and privileged practices along with their historical and cultural roots. The third part considers empirical evidence on outcomes, including work on common factors and negative outcomes. The fourth part offers an overview of some theoretical attempts to integrate work on personal change. The conclusion emphasizes the need to consider the role of neglected factors such as social support and active involvement.