Book Review
Psychotherapy 
Post-Modernism for Psychotherapists Del Lowenthal, Robert Snell. Chicago (IL): Taylor and Francis/Routledge;
213 p. US$25.95
Reviewer
rating*: Excellent
Review by: Joy Albuquerque, MD
Ottawa, Ontario
What does postmodernist thought have to offer psychotherapists? Can a philosophy that radically rejects labels be reconciled with medicine and psychology—fields renowned for their unending attempts to classify human beings and behaviour? The authors argue that postmodernist works can enhance the practice of psychotherapy and lead to a more relevant approach to the modern psyche. Postmodernism, a definition originally used within the field of architecture, is now comfortably discussed in philosophy, literature, theology, fashion, television, cinema, and virtually all other forms of art expression. Postmodernism attacks the notions of universals and encourages fluid multiple perspectives. It invites us to tackle complexity, contradictions, and paradox as essential aspects of modern consciousness.
Lowenthall and Snell openly admit that not all theorists have been included in this volume.
We are looking at the implications of some Continental, post-modern shift in European thinking for practice—we are interested in implication rather than
application, in thoughtfulness rather than technique (p 1).
Current psychotherapies largely evolved during the 20th century, within an intellectual climate that saw the unprecedented rise of the “individual.” Conversely, the search for meaning in an increasingly interdependent era will likely move along different paths. Psychotherapies ought to evaluate the upshot of the postmodernist movement in terms of the therapist–client relationship. The assumption appears to be that psychotherapies need to evolve with the times, and perhaps, slightly veiled, it is assumed that the psyche is susceptible to cultural fruition.
The book is loosely divided into sections covering the major postmodernists and their intellectual roots, a section on Wittgenstein, and finally, critiques of the postmodernist movement. In many cases, the arguments will be new to therapists, so each section has an appropriate introduction. Secondary sources are used liberally and referenced. It would have been helpful, however, had the authors also included more plain-language notes and a glossary of philosophical terms to clarify highly condensed points in the texts.
Including selections from contentious thinkers is a risky enterprise. For example, the Economist’s obituary for Jacques Derrida emphasized his controversial position within philosophy and his legendary inconsistency, an issue with which Derrida himself wouldn’t have disagreed, but one which he would have viewed as a nonissue (see www.economist.com/people/ displayStory.cfm?story_id=3308320). In an effort to balance the readings, the authors highlight some key debates, including excerpts of critiques from several vantage points.
Philosophical thought in general, and postmodernism in particular, is a form of active discussion, and in this book, there is no shortage of debate. For instance, the authors’ state,
We would argue the case that professionalisation of knowledge in counseling, psychotherapy, psychology and related
professions, can lead to less truth and justice, not more (p 180).
This quote appears after their discussion about Richard Rorty’s criticisms of postmodernism but seems to miss the mark by focusing on the association of knowledge and power. Rorty does not feel that objective truth is possible. Rather, “philosophy must reach towards ways of formulating ‘the good’” (p 180). Many patients come for treatment, particularly psychotherapy, because they feel their lives have no meaning or their sense of the “good life” has dissipated—or perhaps has never been realized. While philosophical conceptions of knowledge have changed considerably since antiquity, humankind’s yearning for the good life has not. Philosophy has definitively separated the 2 constructs; however, it is not clear where the authors stand in terms of “the good.”
Any perceived weaknesses in the authors’ comments are easily overshadowed by the success of this approach to postmodernist philosophy. Making this available to psychotherapists and challenging them to think deeply on cultural issues is a worthy accomplishment. There is a great need for books that take on philosophical complexities as they relate to the psychotherapies. By addressing relevant criticisms of psychotherapy and psychiatry from a unique vantage point, this book promises a breath of fresh air and delivers.
*Reviewer
Rating Scale/ Échelle d’évaluation du réviseur
Excellent / Excellent
Very Good / Très bon
Good / Bon
Fair / Passable
Not recommended / Pas recommandé
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