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A “Social” Clinical Theory of Therapy

Integrating Social and Clinical Psychology

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Abstract

Why yet another theory of therapy? With at least 250 such theories, we certainly do not need another one. Yet another theory appears to have emerged, needed or not. From a speciality within philosophy, psychology has grown into at least three subdisciplines. One, modeling itself after the natural sciences, includes behaviorism and behavior therapies. A second, social psychology, attempts to understand people and their relationships and uses the tools of social science. The third, situating itself with the humanities, draws upon the wisdom of poets and the arts of charismatic leaders and healers. Psychoanalysis and several other therapies are in this third subdiscipline. A “social” clinical psychology tries to integrate these three psychologies.

Of the best leaders

The people do not know they exist....

But (of the best) when their task is accomplished, Their work done,

The people all remark, “We have done it ourselves.”

Lao Tzu, The Way of Life

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Curtis, R. (1993). A “Social” Clinical Theory of Therapy. In: Stricker, G., Gold, J.R. (eds) Comprehensive Handbook of Psychotherapy Integration. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9782-4_19

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