Tim Kasser: ‘The heyday of humanistic psychology was in…
““Tim Kasser: ‘The heyday of humanistic psychology was in the 1960s and 1970s, when Keynes dominated. But since the rise of neo-liberalism from the 1980s, we’ve seen an influx of cognitive behavioural approaches and psychiatric drugs – technologies that put the cause of the problem right between your ears. The therapies our governments now want all focus on internal not external reform. They don’t see suffering as a call to change external circumstances for the good of our development.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Neo‑liberalism shifted focus inward, neglecting external change, thus limiting therapeutic impact.
In simple terms: Modern therapy often ignores societal factors.
Key Takeaway
Consider both internal and external solutions.
Themes
psychology
politics
mental health
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
Capitalism:1
Cbt:1
Keynes:0
Mental health:1
Neoliberalism:1
Psychiatry:0
Psychology:1
Suffering:1
Therapy:1
Humanistic Psychology:1
Suffering Change:0
Heyday Humanistic:0
Therapies Governments:0
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- policy making
- social activism
Key Concepts
humanistic values
neo‑liberal critique
therapeutic scope
Questions to Reflect On
- How can therapy address societal issues?
- What balance should be struck?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting external factors can oversimplify complex suffering.