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New Books Network

Camille Robcis, "Disalienation: Politics, Philosophy, and Radical Psychiatry in Postwar France" (U Chicago Press, 2021)

Jan 2, 2025
Camille Robcis, a Columbia University scholar and historian specializing in modern European intellectual history, delves into the complexities of institutional psychotherapy in postwar France. She discusses the profound influences of key figures like Frantz Fanon and Michel Foucault. Topics include the historical intersections of politics and psychiatry, the evolution of psychiatric spaces, and innovative therapeutic practices. Robcis also connects past movements with contemporary political issues, exploring how historical narratives shape our understanding of mental health and identity.
01:04:45

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Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores how institutional psychotherapy in postwar France emerged as a response to the oppressive conditions faced during World War II.
  • Camille Robcis emphasizes the importance of integrating political contexts into psychiatric practices, allowing for a more humane and communal approach to mental health.

Deep dives

The Origins of Disalienation

The book 'Disalienation' explores the emergence of institutional psychotherapy in France during World War II, primarily stemming from the political and social upheaval caused by the war. It highlights the oppressive conditions in psychiatric institutions during this time, where massive neglect led to significant patient deaths, prompting a new understanding of the relationship between psychiatry and politics. The early practitioners recognized the need for a psychiatric practice that was attuned to socio-political contexts and that could evolve to prevent alienation within institutions. This paradigm shift sought to rethink psychiatric practices, embedding them within a political framework that champions human dignity and communal healing.

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