Epistemological Psychotherapy, narrow minded vs. open minded

There is a continuum on which people define the self narrowly, versus expansively.

Self

Immeasureable/ ß----------------------------------------------------------à  Narrow, Limited

Unknown

Undefined ß-------------------------------------------------------------------à Strictly defined

Open to experience ß----------------------------------------------------à  Closed-minded

Negative A non-conformist may lose the benefits of belonging to a religious or political group. Understanding of the world as it is with wars, poverty, and starvation not easily under our control may cause pessimism and negative feelings if not understood fully. Being too open one may fail to avoid danger.

Positive Ability to see clearly what is happening due to not being clouded with ideologies.  Being open-minded allows one to observe reality clearly and gain insight and understanding. .  Being open to new opportunities and experiences and thus having a richer life.

Positive May provide some protection by conforming to the beliefs of a powerful group such as Christians or Communists.  Belonging to an ideological group may confer a sense of protection and health benefits.  Avoiding being to experimental and getting into rough situations.

Negative Inability to understand clearly what’s going on in the world due to a very limited viewpoint such as those coming from religions or political ideologies.  Constant conflict with the world due to having a worldview, be it Christian, Communist, Islamic, etc that does not fit with observations from real life. Limiting one’s actions and opportunity to conform to self expectations.

The following continuum generally define a mind that is free and exploratory versus a mind that is fixed, conservative, narrow, and strictly defined.  We would generally want to go toward a more free open-minded mind, the column with borders on the chart.  The therapist dealing with a narrow mind that is fixed and conservative and in conflict would try to deconstruct that way of thinking without getting into metaphysics about which god exists or which political ideology is right or best.  What is important to know is that they are attempts to escape from fear, and attempt to flee from reality which is free for all to see but few will look at it honestly.  It is the journey of the therapist and client to get to that sense of honesty about the world that deconstructs conflicts in the mind.

DF Seldon