The shift from psychodynamic to cognitive-behavioural therapy - how did it happen?
A witness seminar brought together key actors to document experiences and perspectives on the shift from psychodynamic therapy to cognitive behavioural therapy in Sweden, and the subsequent debate on evidence.
On 7 May, a witness seminar was held to document how the shift from psychodynamic therapy to cognitive behavioural therapy took place in Sweden, and how the subsequent debate on evidence gained momentum. Individuals who were central to both the shift and the debate were invited to share testimony about their memories and experiences of these developments. The audience also had the opportunity to ask questions of the invited speakers and to contribute their own reflections.
The witness seminar was organised as part of a planned research project by Josephine Selander and Linnea Tillema, both researchers in history of science and ideas. The project examines this shift from a history of ideas perspective. Johan Bengtsson, a resident physician in psychiatry and researcher at the Department of Medical Sciences, served as moderator.
A witness seminar is a method for documenting events and processes in recent history, thereby creating source material for historical research. The seminar was recorded and will be published in full as a report.
Speakers
Gerhard Andersson – Professor of Clinical Psychology
Lars Brusell – Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Psychotherapist
Jörgen Herlofson – Licensed Physician, Specialist in General Psychiatry, Licensed Psychotherapist
Per Magnus Johansson – Psychoanalyst, Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Psychotherapist, Associate Professor (Docent) in History of Ideas
Anna Kåver – Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Psychotherapist, Specialist in Clinical Psychology, Author
Åsa Nilsonne – Licensed Physician, Specialist in General Psychiatry, Licensed Psychotherapist, Professor Emeritus of Medical Psychology, Author
Knut Sundell – Associate Professor (Docent) in Psychology, Former Senior Advisor (“socialråd”) and Head of Unit at the National Board of Health and Welfare