Rosenberg, Part 2

Questioning standard practices in therapy

Dr. Rosenberg struggled with some of the concepts mandated by traditional psychotherapy, as do I. He was, for example, adamant that true therapy could not be achieved without some degree of personal bonding between patient and therapist. The way I understand it is in terms of theatre: actors and actresses are supposed to never break the so-called “fourth wall” yet some of the best moments in theatrical performance have been achieved by breaking this core rule. Therapy is much the same, perhaps to an even greater extent, and recreational therapy, adventure therapy, and agricultural therapy all accomplish precisely that. They break down the artificial “fourth wall,” creating a vested bond of trust and respect between all parties, conducive to further expressing trust and respect in every day life outside of direct therapy. It is simply not possible to hike a difficult mountain, maintain a farmland, or brave water rapids together without becoming bonded in pursuit of a common and difficult goal. Achieving this bond- the foundation of teamwork- is essential to anyone’s lifetime success. Rosenberg has it right-the arbitrary fourth wall needs to go.