Tuesday, November 25, 2003

An opposing view of counseling.

Theodore Dalrymple reviews Therapy Culture by Frank Furedi: "He argues, in my view convincingly, that the extension of belief in 'therapy' is both symptomatic and productive of a profound change in human relations, and not for the better."

hmmm.... On the one hand I do see the dangers, depending on the therapist's views of the goal of therapy. But I also think that there are perspectives that take into account the need of humankind to be connected to others, have positive relationships, build communities and be and feel a part of something larger. I don't think that individual choice and self autonomy are exclusive of community, relationships, and shared values, but the cautions might make this book worth the read.

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