The Human Psyche and its Ailments byJames Barnes

This book presents a new relational approach to 'mental disorder' which argues that psychological and emotional distress is inherently constituted by self, other and world, and puts forward this case on philosophical, clinical and moral grounds.The central thesis of the book is situated in historical and philosophical context, addressing the dominant model(s) of mind & 'mental disorder.' It puts forward the case that these models rest on outmoded and increasingly unethical conceptual grounds, which cannot properly account for the decisive influence of our worlds on our psychological and emotional distress. In light of the current mental health crisis, the book argues that we have a moral imperative to radically revision mental health care in these terms and situates this in a broad and exciting paradigm shift within the social sciences.

James Barnes is a psychotherapist, lecturer and writer, with a background in post-Freudian psychoanalysis and philosophy. His core interests are in relational, intersubjective models of psyche and the de-medicalizing of emotional and psychological distress. He has a psychotherapy practice in Exeter, UK, and also sees clients remotely.

9781913494551
Paperback , Trade
English
Dec 15, 2023