The political unconscious of psychology: Clinical psychology and social change.

Abstract

What role should psychologists play in attempting to solve social problems? Where does being a psychologist end and being an activist begin? Is there in fact a dichotomy between professional and political roles? This essay will attempt to show that, at least in the mental health professions, it may be impossible to differentiate professional from political functions. Further, the author will attempt to show that since its inception, and despite the explicit liberalism of many of its practitioners, clinical psychology has been committed to a political perspective that has consistently led it away from a productive involvement in social change.

The identity prescription of “the psychologist”

“…A framework was being established within which scientists would, without the necessity of any conscious choice on their part, function as technocratic supporters of the status quo. It has even been suggested (Simon, 1970) that at this time within the VA, which was a key agency in the development of clinical psychology, more explicit political controls influenced appointments and constrained professional activities.…”

The Process of Counselor Advocacy

“…The purpose of this article is to address the problem of advocacy by identifying and developing concrete principles that will enable the counselor to function effectively in the role of advocate and change agent. The role of the counselor as an advocate for clients and as an agent of institutional change has been clearly articulated and discussed (Baker & Cramer 1972;Banks & Martens 1973;Ciavarella & Doolittle 1970;Cook 1972;Kincaid 1973;Lipsman 1969;Loughary 1971;Simon 1970;Szasz 1970;Warnath 1973). The concept of the counselor as advocate and change agent, however, has not been well applied to the counselor's daily routine.…”

The Counselor and the Culturally Different Client

“…If then much of school counseling is perceived as based on psychological/psychotherapeutic constructs, then the view of clinical psychologists regarding the effectiveness of this type of intervention with the culturally different client is relevant. Simon (1970) sees the clinical functions of psychologists as being shaped during World War n. 'The requirements of the situation led us to, or conformed in us, a model of professional functioning that focused almost exclusively on the adaptive failures of individuals (p. 332)."…”

“…A recent article (Wamath, 1973)echoes a philosophy similar to Simon (1970) and Szasz (1970); namely, that mental health personnel attempt to serve a dual allegiance, one to the client, and another to the in-stitution that employes them. And most educational institutions reflect the value systems of the larger culture and insist on adherence to these values.…”