Lexington Books The Social Construction of Mental Illness and Its Implications for Neuroplasticity

The Social Construction of Mental Illness and Its Implications for Neuroplasticity examines how the current concept of mental illness in society informs the dialogic skills and perspectives of psychotherapists. The common interpretation of unconventional behavior as a symptom of illness has marginalized the creative class and deterred mental health professionals from developing the skills and perspectives needed to empower their clients. Too often the neuroplasticity of the human brain is ignored in favor of the organizing metaphor of chemical imbalance which often results in the relegation of clients' needs to the pharmaceutical industry. Michael T. Walker encourages psychotherapists to evolve their practice by considering the new information available in neuroscience, psychotherapy outcome studies, and postmodern psychotherapies. Review Walker challenges us to break free from the taken for granted beliefs of the medical model, which have long suffered from a frozen worldview and hardened categories. He invites us to cross the threshold into a postmodern landscape, an indeterminate space where therapy is practiced as an art form, where language generates new realities and multiple possibilities, and where intersubjectivity becomes the therapist's 'studio' and the 'key to neuroplasticity'. I strongly recommend this timely book.--Jim Duvall, editor of the Journal of Systemic Therapies; co-editor of Collaborative Therapies and Neurobiology: Evolving Practices in Action This passionate and captivating book offers important clarifications and distinctions at a crucial time in the history of postmodern ideas. It is a professionally inspiring read for anyone interested in incorporating neuroscience in psychotherapy while honoring the complexity of human life experience. It will definitely be on my students' required reading list.--Marie-Nathalie Beaudoin, PhD; co-editor of Collaborative Therapies and Neurobiology: Evolving Practices in Action In clear and compelling terms, Walker joins a phalanx of critics who challenge the constraining and injurious practice of mental illness diagnosis. However, Walker draws from his extensive experience as a therapist and coach to explore a humanistic alternative to knee-jerk drug prescriptions. As he demonstrates, the results of artful compassion are indeed consistent with those of contemporary neuroscience. This is essential reading for therapists and the public alike.--Kenneth J. Gergen, Swathmore College; author of An Invitation to Social Construction About the Author Michael T. Walker, PhD, is practicing psychologist in Los Angeles.