Psychological Investigations: A Clinician's Guide to Social Therapy

Psychological Investigationslets readers listen in on one of the most exciting developments in psychology today as it is unfolding. With the current trend in therapy reflecting a movement away from traditional psychology and towards more postmodern psychologies, social therapy, a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Fred Newman, emerges as a qualitatively new way of doing therapy. Social therapy blends philosophy, the arts, and political concerns into a group approach that focuses on improved social functioning. PsychologicalInvestigationsprovides insight into the revolutionary development of social therapy--an improvisational, investigatory, development-focused method of treatment. Featuring dialogues drawn from transcripts of teaching and supervisory sessions between Newman and therapists, the book presents a comprehensive guide to the core philosophical and political issues of social therapy and the social therapeutic group process. Instead of introspection andinsight--traditional means to self-realization--Newman and social therapy encourages activity, involvement and commitment to causes larger than the individual ego.

Lois Holzman, Ph.D., is Director of the East Side Institute for Short Term Psychotherapy in New York City Rafael Mendez, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor at Bronx Community College where he practices a performatory, developmental approach to teaching psychology. He is a trained social therapist and on the faculty of the East Side Institute for Short Term Psychotherapy