Michael J. Mahoney

Michael J. Mahoney (1946 – 2006) was an American psychologist, one of the founders of cognitive behavioral therapy and a leading contributor to constructivist psychotherapy.

Mahoney also contributed to the field of sports psychology and served as a consultant to the United States Olympic Committee.

Career A prolific academic, Mahoney published over 250 scholarly articles and chapters. Among his 19 authored and edited books, his most influential books were Cognition and Behavior Modification and Constructive Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice.

In 1981, he was featured in a full page New York Times article titled Two Theories That Never Met Move Toward a Convergence. along with Paul L. Wachtel.

Research

Human Change Processes The study of human change processes is a central theme in Mahoney’s work. At the core of this research, Mahoney emphasizes the dynamic tensions between stability and growth inherent within these processes. While optimistic about the possibilities of change, he emphasizes that it is rarely painless or fast, often requiring “rupture and repairs to the very fabric of our lives.” The following synopsis on Mahoney’s research in this area will focus on (1) the oscillatory process of change, (2) the self-protective theory of resistance, and (3) the role of core ordering processes in significant, sustained change.

Mahoney sees change as a complex, non-linear and oscillatory process. He explains this oscillatory process through a two-dimensional framework of expansion-contraction and passivity-activity that brings attention to the fluctuation of “effort and surrender” within our psychological development. Mahoney argues that there are times when effort can “get in the way of progress,” and surrendering to familiar patterns plays a role in the change process. Oscillations between these dimensions are described as “normal parts of a healthy and self-protective process that is attempting to balance individual needs for coherence (familiarity) and challenge (novelty).” Instead, Mahoney sees resistance as serving the individual’s need to feel “safe, secure and viable” — a protective rather than pathological function. He advocates working with resistance through patience, compassion and respecting each person’s unique pace of change. For instance, within the self dimension, perceiving yourself as ‘good-for-nothing’ can influence your interpretation of events: “I wasn’t hired for that job because the boss sees that I have nothing to offer” instead of “The job market is very competitive.” Because these dimensions are at the root of how we experience the world and ourselves, transforming them is what creates significant long-term change. Here, Mahoney stresses the highly individual nature of change, and that the therapist must respond creatively and flexibly to each client’s unique self and situation.

Awards He received a Fulbright Award in 1984.