Mad in America: Rethinking Mental Health
Psychotherapy and Social Change: Mick Cooper on Counseling, Pluralism, and Progressive Politics
Feb 19, 2025
Mick Cooper, Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Roehampton, shares insights on how psychotherapy can ignite social change. He highlights the significance of pluralism in mental health care, emphasizing collaborative approaches that enhance client voices. The conversation dives into the roots of destructive behaviors, advocating for empathy over judgment. Cooper also discusses the relationship between psychological needs and societal frameworks, and the role of radical acceptance in fostering a more egalitarian society.
45:46
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Quick takeaways
- Mick Cooper emphasizes the importance of client-centered therapy in fostering social justice and integrating therapeutic practice with broader societal change.
- The podcast discusses the role of radical acceptance and empathy in therapy, promoting meaningful dialogues for a more inclusive society.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Psychology and Social Justice
The podcast highlights the connection between psychology and progressive politics, particularly how psychotherapeutic principles can foster social change. The speaker, drawing from Dr. Mick Cooper’s work, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the clients’ voices in therapy, eschewing hierarchical models in favor of collaborative approaches. This involves listening to clients' insights and understanding their experiences, which aligns with broader social justice goals. The discussion reflects a desire to integrate psychological practice with advocacy for a fairer society, stressing that individual therapy can contribute to collective societal progress.
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