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The Impact of Postmodernism on Counseling: Boon or Bane?

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Abstract

This article explores the impact of postmodernism on counseling theory and practice. First, it provides an overview of theoretical frameworks of postmodernism. Next, it examines the effects of postmodernism on counseling theories and modalities. Then, it identifies the strengths and limitations of postmodern counseling and points out that one way to address these limitations is to find a synthesis of modernism and postmodernism. Finally, it recommends that the Chinese traditional theory of Yin and Yang might be helpful to such a synthesis. A caveat is: though postmodernism has much to contribute to counseling theory and practice, critical and reflective thinking on its impact is warranted.

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Correspondence to Jianbin Xu.

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Xu, J. The Impact of Postmodernism on Counseling: Boon or Bane?. Int J Adv Counselling 32, 66–74 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-009-9090-4

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