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ing and a self-centered path, to a healthy one; one that elevates the humanbeing to
meaningful living(Guttmann 1996:107).
In evaluating dereflection as a technique it is imperativeto rememberthat this thera­
peutic aid is normallynot used on its own. It is always in conjunction with other 10­
gotherapeutic techniques and/or physiological aids like pharmocotherapy- just like
paradoxicalintention. However, the purpose ofthis techniqueis to assist the thera­
pist to direct the client/patient away from hislher own negative symptoms,to positive
ones that will bring about change.
From a rational-emotive therapeuticpoint ofview the rational emphasis on
redirectingthe thoughtsofthe client/patient away from the negative symptoms is a
'positivematter.
The client/patient is supposed to "re-work" his thoughts away from
the negativematters to the positive. There is "no place" for "self-pity", "self­
brooding",and/or any form of"self-centeredness" which negativelyinfluence the
client/patient. "Dereflection" actually clearly implies what it wants to do. "Don't
reflect on yourself! Look away from yourself! Focus on something else!"
Psychoanalysts are focusing on the past - no matter ifit is negative or positive. Con­
sistent reasoningfrom their side would lead to a more negative than positive evalua­
tion ofdereflectionbecause their aim is to "move into the past" ofthe client in order
to establishwhat are the real causes ofthe problematic symptomsand/or behavior.
This modus operandi practicallymeans that they will in one way or another focus in
a "self-centeredway" on the patient's/client's negative symptomsand/or life!
lifestyle The difference between logotherapistsand psychoanalysts in looking at a
patient/ clientwould be that the first-mentioned startlooking at the "present"
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