Wellman Method in Historical Context

A synthesis of humanistic, developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and social psychology, the Wellman Method supports continuing authentic emergence within real situations requiring navigation and finesse – such as complex social frameworks and organizational systems.

Psychoanalysis

Sigmund Freud explored the Id through unconscious defense mechanisms and unconscious desires through dream analysis. He saw the conflict between the Id and the Ego as obstacles to mental health. The analyst does not respond, but is a key figure fielding projections and observing defense mechanisms. Insight is the objective.

Behavioral Psychology

The two key motivators in behavioral psychology are simple: we seek rewards and avoid pain. These two forces shape our behaviors. In the field of evolutionary psychology, the reward is to secure genetic survival. Behavioral change is the objective.

Cognitive Psychology

In cognitive psychology, we can choose interpretations of our worlds, creating less or more stress. Consequently, behaviors change. Neuropsychology provides deeper understanding of our cognitive processes. Cognitive change is the objective.

Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology

Cognitive and behavioral changes allow the client and mental health provider to partner to define and strategize goals. Coaching uses this partnership. Behavioral and cognitive changes are the objectives.

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental illnesses as described and coded in the regularly updated versions of the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Diagnosing and treating mental illnesses are the objectives.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology was once thought to be for children and their developmental stages, but now, due to neuropsychology, we know that neural development can continue all our lives. Development is the objective.

Social Psychology

Social psychology formulates theories and observes how people function and are motivated to function in groups and cultures. The objective is to understand people in context and how the context impacts the person.

Humanistic/Positive Psychology  and Client-Centered Therapy

Carl Rodgers, a psychoanalyst, developed client-centered therapy, a supportive and empathic form of listening and responding. Rodgers took a humanist perspective that a key drive was self-realization.  Many branches of psychology, including positive psychology, share this perspective. Self-realization is the objective.

Organizational Coaching

An application of social psychology in the corporate world, organizational psychology seeks to understand not only the complexities of individual psychology, but also of corporate culture and complex systems. There are many objectives, from defining systems to leadership development.

The Wellman Method – a Synthesis of Approaches

The Wellman Method is a non-clinical approach, which assumes clients are functioning at high levels as leaders or high-achievers.

Based on the neurological and developmental knowledge that new synaptic connections are always being created in the brain, the Wellman Method works to build new neural networks within zones of present knowledge to create new knowledge.

A synthesis of humanistic, developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and social psychology, the Wellman Method supports continuing authentic emergence within real situations requiring navigation and finesse – such as social frameworks and organizational systems.

Two of the goals of the Wellman Method are interwoven. First, through exploring narratives, the Wellman Method seeks to build cognitive coherence in the individual. A second goal, no less important, is to clarify and enhance social identity. These areas of clarification and organization serve the individual’s personal and social purpose.

The ultimate Wellman Method goal is to create a better world through positive individual and social change.