Psychological Investigations lets 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. Psychological Investigations provides 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 and insight--traditional means to self-realization--Newman and social therapy encourages activity, involvement and commitment to causes larger than the individual ego. -- from the publisher Critical Acclaim: This book offers a front row seat to one of the most important postmodern conversations relevant to therapists: How can we make the most of our basic social existence? Social therapy's founders, Lois Holzman and Fred Newman are joined by Rafael Mendez in a book that invites us into performing beyond a social reality that we might otherwise take for granted -- Tom Strong, Ph.D., Chartered Psychologist, Division of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Calgary This collection is truly a gift as recorded and transcribed dialogues between students and teacher are rarely available..In Psychological Investigations Newman performs what makes social therapy a distinct group therapy and what makes it radical. His performance provokes, stimulates, and compels us to rethink our theories and practices and to keep them abreast of the global changes and associated consequences that we encounter in our daily worlds -- From the Foreword by Harlene Anderson, Houston-Galveston Institute Table of Contents: Anderson, Foreword. Holzman, Mendez, Preface. Part I: Mendez, Setting the Stage. Holzman, Creating the Context: An Introduction. Part II: Newman and Others, The Dialogues. Introduction. The Core Issues of Social Therapeutic Practice. Developmental Activity. Enhancing Sociality/Challenging Individualism. Mundane Creativity. Performance. What's Wrong with Truth Talk? Problems. Identities and Identity. The Social Therapeutic Group Process. Developing the Social Therapeutic Relationship. Therapeutic Challenges: People and Situations. Social Therapy Integrated. Social Therapy and Spirituality. Social Therapy and Body Work. Social Therapy and Medicine. Social Therapy and Self Help. Social Therapy and Philosophy (and Politics). Epilogue: Therapists' Comments. Appendix: Readings in Social Therapy and the Social Therapeutic Method. Author Biography: Lois Holzman, is director of the East Side Institute for Short Term Psychotherapy in New York. Her career as a developmental psychologist combines academic and community-based practice focused on new approaches in learning and development. With Fred Newman, she is the major theorist of the social therapeutic methodology. Rafael Mendez is Assistant Professor at Bronx Community College where he practices a performatory, developmental approach to teaching psychology. He is a trained social therapist and is on the faculty at the East Side Institute for Short Term Psychotherapy. |