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Constructing The Self, Constructing America: A Cultural History Of Psychotherapy
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 150
EAN: 9780201441925
ISBN: 0201441926
Label: Da Capo Press
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 448
Publication Date: September 30, 1996
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Studio: Da Capo Press
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Editorial Review:
In this ground-breaking cultural history of psychotherapy, historian and psychologist Philip Cushman shows how the development of modern psychotherapy is inextricably intertwined with that of the United States and how it has changed the way Americans view events and themselves. By tracing our various definitions of the self throughout history, Cushman reveals that psychotherapy is very much a product of a particular time and place—and that it has been fundamentally complicit in creating many of the ills it seeks to assuage.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - Why is this not manditory reading for psychology?
A fascinating, entertaining book. I cannot recommend Cushman highly enough! It is truly disappointing that book has been overlooked by the discipline of psychology. However, the reasons it has been are obvious once you read it. Cushman details how psychology ignores its basic assumptions (e.g., about the self, the nature of understanding) and consequently perpetuates the problems it seeks to allieviate. This is a central point -- psychology is elevating a notion of self (i.e., the empty self) that ... Read More
Rating: - An overlooked masterpiece
This book looks at American cultural history since the Civil War through the prism of historical changes in the field of psychotherapy--and at the same time puts psychotherapy in a historical context. It's simply the best cultural history of the US I've ever read. It traces the threads--primarily unbridled capitalism, rugged individualism, and the decline of the family and community--that have left us with the "empty self" which so many suffer from today. That is, a self that is depressed, ... Read More
Rating: - The thread of self is woven into psychology and history
This is a fun and informative description of how history and psychology have influenced each other, resulting in a sense of self that shapes and is shaped by our culture. Many psychological approaches end up in navel gazing introversion. Cushman dispenses with these and paints a clear picture of history and psychology dancing together in an embrace that allows the self to be both a cultural artifact and a culture shaper. Ideas can change the world and Cushman's book is full of ideas that have changed history, ... Read More
Rating: - Excellent in every way
I'm a Master's level student doing research with the influence of racism on the psychology of Black people. I found this book extremely enlightening. It was recommended to me by a professor and I haven't put it down yet!!! Great resource.
Rating:  - Important for anyone practicing or consuming Psychology
I use this book as part of my "Politics of Psychology" course at Antioch University Los Angeles. Cushman provides a wonderfully idiosyncratic reading of the development of the discipline and practice of Psychology in the United States. Using a social constructionist lens he presents a strong argument intent on demonstrating the various ways in which economic, political and cultural concerns gave shape to the contemporary practice of psychology. Cushman's work is puncuated with interesting stories ... Read More
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