Synergies for Wellness and Liberation in Counseling Psychology

Abstract

Several fields within psychology, including counseling psychology, are struggling to promote a social justice agenda. Most efforts concentrate on a critique of existing values, assumptions, and practices. Whereas the level of critique is quite sophisticated, the level of social justice practice is rather embryonic. Critical psychologists have been constructing alternative practices that strive to go beyond the status quo and its critique. This article proposes an agenda for action that is conductive to wellness and liberation at the same time. The authors recommend several steps for advancing such an agenda. They argue that critical psychologists need to promote synergy between and among (a) diverse values, (b) wellness and liberation, and (c) existing critiques within psychology and other fields. To illustrate practical application, the authors discuss these recommendations in the context of people with physical disabilities.

Social Justice and Multicultural Issues: Implications for the Practice and Training of Counselors and Counseling Psychologists

“…Such interventions, however, are generally limited in their ability to foster broader social change and, consequently, to bring about true social justice (Helms, 2003). Fairly recent writings (e.g., Blustein, Elman, & Gerstein, 2001;Eriksen, 1999;Fox, 2003;Jackson, 2000;Lee, 1997;Prilleltensky & Prilleltensky, 2003;Vera & Speight, 2003) have called for increasing numbers of counselors and counseling psychologists to engage in professional roles that attend more fully to social and contextual forces that affect people's mental health and well-being. As such, in conducting social justice work, some of these mental health professionals have adopted roles that have taken them beyond their offices to settings such as community centers, churches, school systems, and even legislative bodies for the purpose of facilitating systemic changes in response to social injustices (Hage, 2003;Kiselica & Robinson, 2001;Thompson, Murry, Harris, & Annan, 2003).…”

The social disability model and its impact on theory and practice in psychology and rehabilitation

“…In closer examination on how to achieve a social agenda within counselling practice, Prilleltensky and Prilleltensky (Prilleltensky & Prilleltensky, 2003) have grouped human needs and values into three spheres of wellbeing and liberation: personal, relational or collective. Personal needs such as sense of mastery and control are promoted by values such as empowerment and self-determination.…”

“…Authors within the 'strong' SDM claim that disabled individuals have achieved their rights without help of professionals and in some cases, in spite of professionals (Prilleltensky & Prilleltensky, 2003). Are we capable to decide who really needs psychological counselling?…”

Counselling Psychology in the UK: a critical-humanistic perspective

“…Prilleltensky, 1994Prilleltensky, , 2008Prilleltensky & Fox, 2007;Prilleltensky & Prilleltensky, 2003), albeit writing more from a Community Psychology perspective. For Prilleltensky, 'power is never political or psychological; it is always both' (Prilleltensky, 2008, p. 116), yet Psychology 'lack[s] a framework for combining psychological and political power for the purpose of social change' (ibid.…”