Book Description:
This stimulating, informative book documents and explores the long standing relationship between the fields of psychotherapy and politics and argues that from the beginning psychotherapy has had a political face. Examining key areas of influence, the book provides practitioners of counselling, psychotherapy, counselling psychology and clinical psychology with a coherent, enlightening investigation of the interface between the therapeutic and the political.Documenting instances where ideas from psychotherapy have been incorporated into the political agenda, the book demonstrates the practical value of psychotherapy as an instigator of social and political change. Related to this, attempts to understand and evaluate political life through the application of psychotherapeutic concepts are examined.Ways in which psychotherapy has adapted to survive changes in prevailing political ideologies and has taken account of cultural and ideological shifts are also shown, and the use of political concepts and viewpoints to criticise or change the theory and practice of psychotherapy is established and explored.Central questions asked include: What is human nature? Are aggression and violence innate in us? Is the therapeutic relationship inherently unequal? Is the political an appropriate topic for therapy and counselling?The result is a unique assemblage of information from the psycho political domain, providing a basis for informed debate, and encouraging increased political awareness and activity within the profession. It will be of great value to all those interested in broadening their awareness of the profession's political influence.
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