Context: For Graham Barnes, the starting point of his research was the observation that most psychotherapists are trained in a theory-centered style of practice, neglecting epistemological and hermeneutical aspects. The consequence is an absence of critical self-reflection about some basic assumptions of psychotherapy theories and clinical practices in the psychotherapy community. When using a particular theory, therapists forget that the theory is “using” them, as well, i.e., they are unaware of the effects the theory has on them and on their relationships with clients. As an alternative to this ignorance, Barnes developed the concept, research project and clinical application of what he called “second-order psychotherapy.” Problem: How can we encourage therapists to engage in systematic self-reflection on the influence of theory on the content and structure of their therapeutic conversations? Following Bateson’s epistemological guidelines, we give an example of how our conversation about understanding his ideas includes conversation about our understanding of the conversation about an understanding of his ideas. Method: Bateson created a new didactic form of dialogical presentation to facilitate the understanding of knowing, called a metalogue, in which the content and the structure of the conversation are intertwined in such a way that it becomes more transparent how the metalevel of relationships between the speakers influences the content and vice versa. Results: By presenting our dialogues as an exemplary metalogue, we propose that metalogues could be a valuable didactic way for promoting epistemological and constructivist teaching and learning, not only for psychotherapists, but for all professionals who need better understanding of their understanding. This second-order understanding opens the space for the inclusion of self-reflection on our relationship (and its evolution) and how our relationship has shaped our understanding. Implications: Our proposal is also meant as an encouragement for contemporary constructivist thinkers to continue to reflect on Bateson’s contribution to the foundation and evolution of constructivism.

Key words: Cybernetic epistemology, second-order psychotherapy, dialogotherapy, self-referential awareness, understanding, difference, schizophrenia, double bind, innocence

This review article focuses on the debate which is once again resurfacing in western culture: is hearing voices (“auditory verbal hallucinations” (AVH) in psychiatric vocabulary) a symptom of mental disorder or valuable resource? What is the appropriate reaction to voice hearers and their social context: endeavours to silence the voices with medication or acceptance and their utilization for recovery? The author is contributing to this debate from the viewpoint of cybernetic or constructivist epistemology as it was defined by Gregory Bateson (1904–1980). After a short summary of the history of voice hearing the epistemological problems with the definition of AVH are presented. With neuroscientific discoveries and epidemiological data it is shown that we are all potential voice hearers. Then the neurophenomenological project is presented in a more detailed way, which could connect first- and third-person research of AVHs. Additionally this is explained with the presentation of possibilities for the coexistence of objectivist nomothetic, hermeneutic constructivist and transformative epistemology. The article concludes with a consideration of not only how this coexistence could be helpful for a better quality of response to voice hearers, but also in a broader sense for the development of science and correction of pathologies of epistemology which are threatening ourselves, our close relatives, society and indeed the whole ecology of our planet.

Key words: auditory verbal hallucinations, hearing voices, epistemology, cybernetics, constructivism, neurophenomenology, hermeneutics, reality, mental health.

Abstract: I am focusing on the following questions that were raised in the commentaries: How to (re)awaken reflexive thinking? How to understand hallucinations as voices of sanity? How to become an effective therapist? How could the pattern that connects be described? How can psychotherapy contribute to psychological well-being?

Excerpt: I agree with Bateson that paradoxically the more evolved forms of cooperation bring more existential solitude to the individual and that the “skeleton of truth,” reached through cooperation, is lonely (Bateson and Bateson 1987, p. 6). And what is the truth of our modern world? Today, when the epoch of Anthropocene is showing its disastrous face more evidently than during Fromm-Reichmann’s times, it is even more clear that mankind and our civilization is not moving in the direction of the rose garden, but what is left to the human race is only to “learn to die” (Scranton 2015). We are confronted with the rapid deterioration of our physical, social, and economic environment. Gaia (Lovelock 2009; Schneider et al. 2004), the Earth System (Angus 2016) as a self-regulating system, suggests the processes of ecology cannot be mocked. The imbalance of the macro critical instability has gone so far we cannot trust Gaia not to overcorrect and to destroy || our civilization (Bateson 1972/1987). Can we develop forms of cooperation that can still save us? Let us hope that the findings how even the fiercest primates can change their culture into a more peaceful direction apply to humanity as well (Sapolsky and Share 2004; de Waal 2004). The Anthropocene crisis asks us to imagine new forms of human existence and cooperation, which seem unthinkable (Ghosh 2016), because we must transform everything about the way we live on this planet (Klein 2014).

Abstract: We provide an overview of the life and work of Graham Barnes, who was strongly influenced by Gregory Bateson, and who collaborated with several other cyberneticians and constructivists, in particular, Gordon Pask and Heinz von Foerster. After having left the USA for Sweden, he commuted between Stockholm and Belgrade, Zagreb, Ljubljana and Rijeka, where he taught his own integration of second-order cybernetics and psychotherapy.