Proles Pod Ep 90 - Radical Psychology
Sep 24, 2025
In this discussion, John Hook, a PhD candidate in counseling psychology, and Frank Grover McAllister, a retired clinical psychologist, delve into radical psychology's intersection with social justice. They argue that capitalism undermines mental health and critique individualistic therapy approaches. The guests explore how radical practices can reveal systemic issues, emphasizing the moral purpose of therapy. They also discuss the importance of acknowledging ideology in our mindsets and envision a future where therapy promotes collective well-being amidst oppression.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Root Causes Matter
- Radical means going to the root causes of suffering, including material conditions and history.
- Understanding mental health requires analyzing social and economic forces, not only individual minds.
Psychology Can Reproduce Hegemony
- Psychology often adopts capitalist definitions of wellness and enforces compliance with hegemony.
- Radical practice requires critiquing how psychology mystifies social injustice and naturalizes suffering.
Situate Distress In Material Reality
- Avoid treating distress as only internal when material conditions are causal.
- Situate clients within their social and economic contexts before focusing solely on beliefs.
