Psychology in Recovery

First Things ^ | March 2005 | Paul C. Vitz

[AncientAirs]

Modern psychology, like Caesar’s Gaul, has classically been divided into three parts: there is experimental psychology, test-and-measurement psychology, and therapeutic psychology. All three branches have been in steady operation since the late nineteenth century, and in all three of them one may observe, over that time, striking transformations that I think bode well for the future. As some readers may know, I was a public and rather harsh critic of much popular psychology in my first publications in the 1970s and ’80s. I stand by those views. But much has changed, and changed (to my surprise) for the better. Particularly in the therapeutic discipline, and specifically in the past generation, a new and salutary understanding of what psychotherapy is and is not has been developed. It is to these advances in psychotherapy that I will pay closest attention below. But I will begin by sketching the changes in psychology’s other two branches.

[Alia]

Thank you for posting this article! Paul C. Vitzis is far more optimistic, than I admittedly, however, I am most heartened to see the Freudian-based therapies (everyone's a victim) being put into proper context, and into the model of 'positive psychology'. Where I am guarded, however, is in re the "newer" institutions. History has shown how such good intentions can and do get subverted.

Where I am appeased, however, is to read that psychology as a study itself, is being reclassified and look forward to seeing this appearing more broadly at the universities.

Most say the problems at our colleges began in the English Departments (socialism, etc); but I beg to differ -- it began in the psychology courses which spread throughout humanities and such reqs as "English/Literature". Psychology, tru enough, can have some scientific basis, as long as those lines are clearly delineated; however, to categorize psych into the philosophies/humanities needs to be more rigourously pronounced, IMHO.

[thombo]

"Psychology itself is being reclassified...at the university level."What about psychologist's currently in practice and in academia that have based their careers and reputations on "negative psychology"?I'd think "virtues" based psychology would be a tuff sell.

[thombo]

Oops i goofed.Question should have gone to ancientairs.

[Alia]

I think you are right: It would be a tough sell to those teaching the current "victimization" psychology at the colleges and universities.