Psychotherapy As Religion

The Civil Divine In America

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Social Work, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Health & Well Being, Psychology
Cover of the book Psychotherapy As Religion by William M. Epstein, University of Nevada Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William M. Epstein ISBN: 9780874176841
Publisher: University of Nevada Press Publication: July 17, 2006
Imprint: University of Nevada Press Language: English
Author: William M. Epstein
ISBN: 9780874176841
Publisher: University of Nevada Press
Publication: July 17, 2006
Imprint: University of Nevada Press
Language: English

***A provocative look at America on the couch.***In Psychotherapy as Religion, William Epstein sets out to debunk claims that psychotherapy provides successful clinical treatment for a wide range of personal and social problems. He argues that the practice is not a science at all but rather the civil religion of America, reflecting the principles of radical self-invention and self-reliance deeply embedded in the psyche of the nation. Epstein begins by analyzing a number of clinical studies conducted over the past two decades that purport to establish the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic treatments. He finds that each study violates in some way the standard criteria of scientific credibility and that the field has completely failed to establish objective procedures and measurements to assess clinical outcomes. Epstein exposes psychotherapy’s deep roots in the religious and intellectual movements of the early nineteenth century by demonstrating striking parallels between various types of therapy and such popular practices as Christian Science and spiritualism. Psychotherapy has taken root in our culture because it so effectively reflects our national faith in individual responsibility for social and personal problems. It thrives as the foundation of American social welfare policy, blaming deviance and misery on deficiencies of character rather than on the imperfections of society and ignoring the influence of unequal and deficient social conditions while requiring miscreants to undergo the moral reeducation that psychotherapy represents. This is a provocative, brilliantly argued look at America on the couch. Psychotherapy as Religion is essential reading for anyone interested in the history and current state of mental health.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

***A provocative look at America on the couch.***In Psychotherapy as Religion, William Epstein sets out to debunk claims that psychotherapy provides successful clinical treatment for a wide range of personal and social problems. He argues that the practice is not a science at all but rather the civil religion of America, reflecting the principles of radical self-invention and self-reliance deeply embedded in the psyche of the nation. Epstein begins by analyzing a number of clinical studies conducted over the past two decades that purport to establish the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic treatments. He finds that each study violates in some way the standard criteria of scientific credibility and that the field has completely failed to establish objective procedures and measurements to assess clinical outcomes. Epstein exposes psychotherapy’s deep roots in the religious and intellectual movements of the early nineteenth century by demonstrating striking parallels between various types of therapy and such popular practices as Christian Science and spiritualism. Psychotherapy has taken root in our culture because it so effectively reflects our national faith in individual responsibility for social and personal problems. It thrives as the foundation of American social welfare policy, blaming deviance and misery on deficiencies of character rather than on the imperfections of society and ignoring the influence of unequal and deficient social conditions while requiring miscreants to undergo the moral reeducation that psychotherapy represents. This is a provocative, brilliantly argued look at America on the couch. Psychotherapy as Religion is essential reading for anyone interested in the history and current state of mental health.

More books from University of Nevada Press

Cover of the book 50 of the Best Strolls, Walks, and Hikes around Reno by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book The Roar and the Silence by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book Nevada's Twentieth-Century Mining Boom by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book Drift Smoke by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book Sweet Promised Land by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book Saving the Pryor Mountain Mustang by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book Basques in the Philippines by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book Tungsten in Peace and War, 1918–1946 by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book Nevada's Historic Buildings by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book American Indian Educators in Reservation Schools by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book Unnatural Ecopoetics by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book Seeing Underground by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book Let There Be Night by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book City Dreams, Country Schemes by William M. Epstein
Cover of the book A History of Occupational Health and Safety by William M. Epstein
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy