In the 1980s, Anderson and her colleague Harold A. Goolishian pioneered a new technique that is used to relate to patients within therapy through language and collaboration, and without the use of diagnostic labels.
This approach was first developed for the use of family and mental health therapists, but has since expanded into a variety of professional practices such as organizational psychology, higher education, and research.
She went on to receive her Doctorate in Psychology with a focus around Marriage and Family Therapy from Union Institute and University which is located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
[4] After this, Anderson cofounded the Taos Institute in 1993 where she has worked on the board of directors for the past 26 years and currently serves as an advisor in their doctoral program.
Harlene Anderson has won several awards throughout her career for her contributions to theory development,[7] as well as innovative practices and training.