Chiara Centomo - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Chiara Centomo
Sulla comunicazione scientifica
The last 10 years have seen a wealth of Personal Construct Psychology (PCP) activity and innovati... more The last 10 years have seen a wealth of Personal Construct Psychology (PCP) activity and innovation across Europe, producing a diversity of results from different countries. Nevertheless, it is indubitable that a new generation has arrived and new connections are being forged, and this is reflected in our conference title: A New Spirit in PCP. The 2016 conference of the European Personal Construct Association (EPCA) was a meaningful moment of encounter and discussion to continue co-projecting new possibilities of learning and growth, both professionally and personally. Linking people, ideas and dreams – the slogan of the congress – was the thread of the days lived together, not only through almost one hundred contributions which included papers, workshops and symposia, but also during the more informal opportunities.
Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 2011
We look into the transformation of meanings in psychotherapy and suggest a clinical application f... more We look into the transformation of meanings in psychotherapy and suggest a clinical application for Wittgenstein's intuitions concerning the role of linguistic practices in generating significance. In post-modern theory, therapy does not necessarily change reality as much as it does our way of experiencing it by intervening in the linguistic-representational rules responsible for constructing the text which expresses the problem. Since "states of mind assume the truths and forms of the language devices that we use to represent them" (Foucault, 1963, p. 57), therapy may be intended as a narrative path toward a new naming of one's reified experiences. The clinical problem we consider here, the pervasive feeling of inadequacy due to one's excessive height (dysmorphophobia), is an excellent example of "language game" by which a "perspicuous representation" (the "therapy" proposed by Wittgenstein in the 1953) may bring out alternatives to linguisticallybuilt "traps", putting the blocked semiotic mechanism back into motion.
Rivista Italiana di Costruttivismo, Vol. 1 Num. 1, Sep 13, 2013
In Mininni G, Manuti A. (A cura di), Applied Psycholinguistics. Positive effects and ethical perspectives. Volume II.
In Maldonato M. (a cura di), Fenomenologia della Scoperta.
Rivista di psicologia clinica. Teoria e metodi dell’intervento, 2(3): 43-54.
We look into the transformation of meanings in psychotherapy and suggest a clinical application f... more We look into the transformation of meanings in psychotherapy and suggest a clinical application for Wittgenstein’s intuitions concerning the role of linguistic practices in generating significance. In post-modern theory, therapy does not necessarily change reality as much as it does our way of experiencing it by intervening in the linguistic-representational rules responsible for constructing the text which expresses the problem. Since “states of mind assume the truths and forms of the language devices that we use to represent them” (Foucault, 1963, p. 57), therapy may be intended as a narrative path toward a new naming of one’s reified experiences. The clinical problem we consider here, the pervasive feeling of inadequacy due to one’s excessive height (dysmorphophobia), is an excellent example of “language game” by which a “perspicuous representation” (the “therapy” proposed by Wittgenstein in the 1953) may bring out alternatives to linguistically-built “traps”, putting the blocked semiotic mechanism back into motion.
Conference Presentations by Chiara Centomo
By affirming that mind and body exist in different domains of knowledge as discriminations acted ... more By affirming that mind and body exist in different domains of knowledge as discriminations acted by an
observer, Constructivism has overcome the old dualism typical of psychosomatic medicine, that
traditionally considers mind and body as two separated entities.
However, both in everyday life and in clinical work, we often stumble upon our own language
that, being intrinsically dualistic, does not seem to allow the epistemological "leap" and instead leads us
back into the old dichotomy. This is an important issue particularly during a psychotherapy with a person
who suffers from so called "psychosomatic symptoms". Indeed, according to Kelly, in this case the aim
of the therapy is to help the patient to subsume their rigid mind-body dualism. But how can it be done, if
language does not support us? Through a case study, this paper suggests that the use of metaphorical
language allows us to "construct a bridge" between mind and body, in order to give the suffering a new
meaning.
How many times, as psychologists, have we heard adults (parents, teachers, caregivers…) saying so... more How many times, as psychologists, have we heard adults (parents, teachers, caregivers…) saying something like “I do not understand that pupil!”, “I should know my son, but it is so difficult!”. Kelly’s so-called First Principle - If you do not know what is going on in a person’s mind, ask him - can help us undertake an experiment: giving voice to both children's and adults’ points of view.
Indeed, as psychologists and psychotherapists we have to understand the child’s world, but also the adult's efforts. What kind of challenge is this? We believe it deals with inquiring into and, especially, listening to children's meanings before or beyond the use of language. And how can we do this taking off our adult shoes? Personal Construct Psychology, with its focus on processes, can provide useful tools to help our exploration.
This workshop will introduce participants to Personal and Relational Construct Psychology, an ela... more This workshop will introduce participants to Personal and Relational Construct Psychology, an elaboration of Kelly's original approach designed to do justice to the relational nature of human functioning. The bipolar construct is one of the distinguishing features of Kelly's approach. It remains an idea of exceptional power in integrating many different psychological experiences and processes. Individuals for Kelly have construing systems but so also do cultures, organisations and families. It is vital in therapeutic and consultation to understand and work with the group or family construct system. This allows the family members and the therapist to achieve new levels of understanding of how all the members see the issues, themselves and each other. This leads to fresh dialogue and interaction enabling the family to approach their problems in fresh ways. Harry Procter has developed a variety of interviewing methods and guidelines for working in this way, including Qualitative Grids, powerful methods for mapping and intervening in the interpersonal construing occurring in clinical and organisational settings. The workshop will look at some of the most important of these and give participants the chance to try them out.
Drafts by Chiara Centomo
L. Wittgenstein e G.A. Kelly sono due figure di riferimento per la mia formazione culturale, prof... more L. Wittgenstein e G.A. Kelly sono due figure di riferimento per la mia formazione culturale, professionale e personale. Poiché, da una prospettiva costruttivista, la conoscenza avviene per discriminazione, in questo lavoro vorrei analizzare alcuni aspetti del loro pensiero rispetto ai quali, ai miei occhi, colgo somiglianze e differenze.
Volume 2, Numero 2 by Chiara Centomo
Riccarda Silicani ha fondato il Centro Studi dedicato a suo Zio, Silvio Ceccato, con l’intento di... more Riccarda Silicani ha fondato il Centro Studi dedicato a suo Zio, Silvio Ceccato, con l’intento di diffonderne la figura e le idee organizzando eventi culturali nella sua casa natale, a Montecchio Maggiore (Vi).
Riccarda Silicani founded the Study Center dedicated to her Uncle, Silvio Ceccato, with the aim of spreading his figure and ideas by organizing cultural events in his birth house, in Montecchio Maggiore (Vi).
Volume 4, Numero 1 by Chiara Centomo
Eccoci giunti al sesto numero della Rivista Italiana di Costruttivismo, che abbiamo voluto dedica... more Eccoci giunti al sesto numero della Rivista Italiana di Costruttivismo, che abbiamo voluto dedicare
interamente all’età evolutiva, con contributi di taglio epistemologico, teorico e applicativo che si collocano
entro la cornice del Costruttivismo e della Psicologia dei Costrutti Personali.
Books by Chiara Centomo
Personal Construct Psychology at 60 (D. Winter, P. Cummins, H. Procter, N. Reed), 2017
How many times, as psychologists, have we heard adults (parents, teachers, caregivers…) saying so... more How many times, as psychologists, have we heard adults (parents, teachers, caregivers…) saying something like “I do not understand that pupil!”, “I should know my son, but it is so difficult!”. Kelly’s so-called First Principle - If you do not know what is going on in a person’s mind, ask him - can help us undertake an experiment: giving voice to both children's and adults’ points of view.
Indeed, as psychologists and psychotherapists we have to understand the child’s world, but also the adult's efforts. What kind of challenge is this? We believe it deals with inquiring into and, especially, listening to children's meanings before or beyond the use of language. And how can we do this taking off our adult shoes? Personal Construct Psychology, with its focus on processes, can provide useful tools to help our exploration.
Sulla comunicazione scientifica
The last 10 years have seen a wealth of Personal Construct Psychology (PCP) activity and innovati... more The last 10 years have seen a wealth of Personal Construct Psychology (PCP) activity and innovation across Europe, producing a diversity of results from different countries. Nevertheless, it is indubitable that a new generation has arrived and new connections are being forged, and this is reflected in our conference title: A New Spirit in PCP. The 2016 conference of the European Personal Construct Association (EPCA) was a meaningful moment of encounter and discussion to continue co-projecting new possibilities of learning and growth, both professionally and personally. Linking people, ideas and dreams – the slogan of the congress – was the thread of the days lived together, not only through almost one hundred contributions which included papers, workshops and symposia, but also during the more informal opportunities.
Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 2011
We look into the transformation of meanings in psychotherapy and suggest a clinical application f... more We look into the transformation of meanings in psychotherapy and suggest a clinical application for Wittgenstein's intuitions concerning the role of linguistic practices in generating significance. In post-modern theory, therapy does not necessarily change reality as much as it does our way of experiencing it by intervening in the linguistic-representational rules responsible for constructing the text which expresses the problem. Since "states of mind assume the truths and forms of the language devices that we use to represent them" (Foucault, 1963, p. 57), therapy may be intended as a narrative path toward a new naming of one's reified experiences. The clinical problem we consider here, the pervasive feeling of inadequacy due to one's excessive height (dysmorphophobia), is an excellent example of "language game" by which a "perspicuous representation" (the "therapy" proposed by Wittgenstein in the 1953) may bring out alternatives to linguisticallybuilt "traps", putting the blocked semiotic mechanism back into motion.
Rivista Italiana di Costruttivismo, Vol. 1 Num. 1, Sep 13, 2013
In Mininni G, Manuti A. (A cura di), Applied Psycholinguistics. Positive effects and ethical perspectives. Volume II.
In Maldonato M. (a cura di), Fenomenologia della Scoperta.
Rivista di psicologia clinica. Teoria e metodi dell’intervento, 2(3): 43-54.
We look into the transformation of meanings in psychotherapy and suggest a clinical application f... more We look into the transformation of meanings in psychotherapy and suggest a clinical application for Wittgenstein’s intuitions concerning the role of linguistic practices in generating significance. In post-modern theory, therapy does not necessarily change reality as much as it does our way of experiencing it by intervening in the linguistic-representational rules responsible for constructing the text which expresses the problem. Since “states of mind assume the truths and forms of the language devices that we use to represent them” (Foucault, 1963, p. 57), therapy may be intended as a narrative path toward a new naming of one’s reified experiences. The clinical problem we consider here, the pervasive feeling of inadequacy due to one’s excessive height (dysmorphophobia), is an excellent example of “language game” by which a “perspicuous representation” (the “therapy” proposed by Wittgenstein in the 1953) may bring out alternatives to linguistically-built “traps”, putting the blocked semiotic mechanism back into motion.
By affirming that mind and body exist in different domains of knowledge as discriminations acted ... more By affirming that mind and body exist in different domains of knowledge as discriminations acted by an
observer, Constructivism has overcome the old dualism typical of psychosomatic medicine, that
traditionally considers mind and body as two separated entities.
However, both in everyday life and in clinical work, we often stumble upon our own language
that, being intrinsically dualistic, does not seem to allow the epistemological "leap" and instead leads us
back into the old dichotomy. This is an important issue particularly during a psychotherapy with a person
who suffers from so called "psychosomatic symptoms". Indeed, according to Kelly, in this case the aim
of the therapy is to help the patient to subsume their rigid mind-body dualism. But how can it be done, if
language does not support us? Through a case study, this paper suggests that the use of metaphorical
language allows us to "construct a bridge" between mind and body, in order to give the suffering a new
meaning.
How many times, as psychologists, have we heard adults (parents, teachers, caregivers…) saying so... more How many times, as psychologists, have we heard adults (parents, teachers, caregivers…) saying something like “I do not understand that pupil!”, “I should know my son, but it is so difficult!”. Kelly’s so-called First Principle - If you do not know what is going on in a person’s mind, ask him - can help us undertake an experiment: giving voice to both children's and adults’ points of view.
Indeed, as psychologists and psychotherapists we have to understand the child’s world, but also the adult's efforts. What kind of challenge is this? We believe it deals with inquiring into and, especially, listening to children's meanings before or beyond the use of language. And how can we do this taking off our adult shoes? Personal Construct Psychology, with its focus on processes, can provide useful tools to help our exploration.
This workshop will introduce participants to Personal and Relational Construct Psychology, an ela... more This workshop will introduce participants to Personal and Relational Construct Psychology, an elaboration of Kelly's original approach designed to do justice to the relational nature of human functioning. The bipolar construct is one of the distinguishing features of Kelly's approach. It remains an idea of exceptional power in integrating many different psychological experiences and processes. Individuals for Kelly have construing systems but so also do cultures, organisations and families. It is vital in therapeutic and consultation to understand and work with the group or family construct system. This allows the family members and the therapist to achieve new levels of understanding of how all the members see the issues, themselves and each other. This leads to fresh dialogue and interaction enabling the family to approach their problems in fresh ways. Harry Procter has developed a variety of interviewing methods and guidelines for working in this way, including Qualitative Grids, powerful methods for mapping and intervening in the interpersonal construing occurring in clinical and organisational settings. The workshop will look at some of the most important of these and give participants the chance to try them out.
L. Wittgenstein e G.A. Kelly sono due figure di riferimento per la mia formazione culturale, prof... more L. Wittgenstein e G.A. Kelly sono due figure di riferimento per la mia formazione culturale, professionale e personale. Poiché, da una prospettiva costruttivista, la conoscenza avviene per discriminazione, in questo lavoro vorrei analizzare alcuni aspetti del loro pensiero rispetto ai quali, ai miei occhi, colgo somiglianze e differenze.
Riccarda Silicani ha fondato il Centro Studi dedicato a suo Zio, Silvio Ceccato, con l’intento di... more Riccarda Silicani ha fondato il Centro Studi dedicato a suo Zio, Silvio Ceccato, con l’intento di diffonderne la figura e le idee organizzando eventi culturali nella sua casa natale, a Montecchio Maggiore (Vi).
Riccarda Silicani founded the Study Center dedicated to her Uncle, Silvio Ceccato, with the aim of spreading his figure and ideas by organizing cultural events in his birth house, in Montecchio Maggiore (Vi).
Eccoci giunti al sesto numero della Rivista Italiana di Costruttivismo, che abbiamo voluto dedica... more Eccoci giunti al sesto numero della Rivista Italiana di Costruttivismo, che abbiamo voluto dedicare
interamente all’età evolutiva, con contributi di taglio epistemologico, teorico e applicativo che si collocano
entro la cornice del Costruttivismo e della Psicologia dei Costrutti Personali.
Personal Construct Psychology at 60 (D. Winter, P. Cummins, H. Procter, N. Reed), 2017
How many times, as psychologists, have we heard adults (parents, teachers, caregivers…) saying so... more How many times, as psychologists, have we heard adults (parents, teachers, caregivers…) saying something like “I do not understand that pupil!”, “I should know my son, but it is so difficult!”. Kelly’s so-called First Principle - If you do not know what is going on in a person’s mind, ask him - can help us undertake an experiment: giving voice to both children's and adults’ points of view.
Indeed, as psychologists and psychotherapists we have to understand the child’s world, but also the adult's efforts. What kind of challenge is this? We believe it deals with inquiring into and, especially, listening to children's meanings before or beyond the use of language. And how can we do this taking off our adult shoes? Personal Construct Psychology, with its focus on processes, can provide useful tools to help our exploration.