Critical Social Inquiry 0276 - What is Psychotherapy

The mental health professions offer a range of methods for the treatment of mental illness and human suffering but there is often little explanation as to what the various treatments are and how it is they are thought to work. A central question this class will pursue is on what basis should one choose a psychotherapist and type of psychotherapy? We will examine what psychotherapy is from a range of perspectives with the intention of developing a moral and ethical framework through which psychotherapeutic practice can be critically understood. We will explore how shifting cultural values, economic changes in health care funding and accessibility, and the modern era's emphasis on functionality, efficiency and parsimony among other factors,contribute to many popular understandings about psychotherapy.

Independent Work Writing and Research Students are expected to spend 6-8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time. Prerequisite: College level course in psychology