| Abstract: | This invited commentary responds to N. McWilliams's (2005; see record 2005-07703-001) eloquent plea for the preservation of the psychotherapist's humanity amid the industrialization of mental health and the ascendance of the pharmaceutical industry. McWilliams provides a penetrating critique of a profession in forced transition from offering relationships that heal people to providing manualized treatments that curb symptoms. At the same time, the author wishes that McWilliams had advocated for bolder, massively funded responses to the identified problems and that she had more fully acknowledged the contributions of newer therapies. The author's fervent hope is that McWilliams's article will spark psychologists to reattach to their fundamental moorings, among them the resolute advancement of humane societal values and the sophisticated integration of diverse therapies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) |
