title: Revisiting the notion of hierarchy.
abstract: The traditional definition of hierarchy in terms of power has rendered the image of the hierarchical therapist a fit subject for constructionist critiques. This essay uses an alternative definition of hierarchy, cast in temporal and developmental terms, as the basis for a revised understanding of the role of hierarchy in the therapeutic process. It is argued that when therapy is constructed as a "framing-developing hierarchy," rather than as a "power hierarchy," then constructionist aspirations to create a therapy that is nonjudgmental, nonpathologizing, and noncontrolling are realized.
authors.affiliation: Faculty, Family Studies, Inc., New York, NY.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Simon
mesh_terms: D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006608:Hierarchy, Social; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011368:Professional-Family Relations