As always, Szasz underscores certain truths about abuses of psychiatric practice and makes a number of good points.-- "American Journal of Psychiatry"
Szasz extends the conviction he first expressed in The Myth of Mental Illness that the concept of mental illness is both erroneous and immoral; ergo, the treatment thereof must also be immoral. Moreover, since there is no such thing as mental illness there cannot possibly be such a thing as psychotherapy.-- "British Journal of Psychiatry"
Szasz's important book will test the self-insight of anyone involved in the therapeutic process.-- "Publishers Weekly"
To read this book is to be challenged in one's thinking, excited by new ways of looking at today's problems, irritated and annoyed, but never to be bored.-- "El Paso Times"
Until recent years, “bad” and “immoral” were terms used to describe people who are now referred to as “sick” and “in need of treatment.” Moral and religious perspectives have been clearly replaced by medical and therapeutic rhetoric. It is little wonder that the world is plagued by legions of rapists, drug users, murderers, thieves, child abusers-you name it-all of whom are now referred to as having one form or another of “addiction,” and are thus either “sick” or suffering from “mental illness.” Accordingly, modern psychotherapists claim that these are in need of specialized “therapy” or “treatment,” to help them “cope with their disease.” Moral relativism-bolstered by psychotherapy-has prevailed over the traditional ideas of self-control, individual responsibility, and moral culpability.Thomas Szasz moves to demythologize psychotherapy itself, and he does it in a most provocative manner.
Until recent years, “bad” and “immoral” were terms used to describe people who are now referred to as “sick” and “in need of treatment.” Moral and religious perspectives have been clearly replaced by medical and therapeutic rhetoric. It is little wonder that the world is plagued by legions of rapists, drug users, murderers, thieves, child abusers-you name it-all of whom are now referred to as having one form or another of “addiction,” and are thus either “sick” or suffering from “mental illness.” Accordingly, modern psychotherapists claim that these are in need of specialized “therapy” or “treatment,” to help them “cope with their disease.” Moral relativism-bolstered by psychotherapy-has prevailed over the traditional ideas of self-control, individual responsibility, and moral culpability.Thomas Szasz moves to demythologize psychotherapy itself, and he does it in a most provocative manner.
Editorial Reviews
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940169776034 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Blackstone Audio, Inc. |
| Publication date: | 11/02/2011 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
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