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The Pleasure of Dissent: A Critical Theory of Psychotherapy as an Emancipatory Practice.
- Source :
-
American Journal of Psychotherapy (Association for the Advancement of Psychotherapy) . 2006, Vol. 60 Issue 2, p131-145. 15p. - Publication Year :
- 2006
-
Abstract
- The intent of this paper is to examine the inherent contradictions in the practice of psychotherapy that, if left unexamined, ruin the emancipatory prospects that it holds. Critical theory and, more specifically, Jurgen Habermas' theory of communicative action is utilized as a starting point for reconceptualizing psychotherapy. This paper then establishes a phenomenological and ethical basis for solidarity despite the power differences and conflicting goals for therapists and clients. It draws heavily on a consideration of intersubjectivity and the self as fundamentally relational as conceived by theorists such as Schutz, Levinas, and Vygotsky. Through such an analysis psychotherapy will be constituted consciously as a free space for critique, dissent and action, allowing for a core experience of one's self as a source of power in the social field that will foster replication in society at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *PSYCHOTHERAPY
*BEHAVIOR therapists
*CRITICAL theory
*INTERSUBJECTIVITY
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00029564
- Volume :
- 60
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- American Journal of Psychotherapy (Association for the Advancement of Psychotherapy)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 21713490
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2006.60.2.131