Abstract
The author proposes a phenomenological description of thinking and theory in the experience of therapists, counselors, supervisors, trainers, consultants, and other helping professionals. A model of two related modes of thinking is developed to account for the transition from explicit conceptual thinking to thinking in the moment in the presence of persons and groups. Dependance of thinking on particular points of view and processes, and confrontation with experience through vigilance and evaluation, are also discussed. Finally, some consequences for training and professional evolution are suggested.
Keywords:thinking, theory, experience, process, helping professions, training, psychotherapy, intuition, interpretation, evaluation