Inside and/or Outside? Working Sensitively with Political Material in Psychotherapy

Abstract

This article focuses on one particular dimension of psychopolitics: that which manifests itself in the personal contents or materials clients bring into psychotherapy. It seems that many psychotherapists find themselves struggling when faced with political issues which come up in psychotherapy, both overtly and covertly. Many psychotherapists find value in clarifying political aspects of clients' lives and psychotherapy itself, but are hesitant to touch upon this loaded issue or do not know how to approach it. The present article seeks to formulate a theoretical basis for politically-conscious therapy, as well guiding principles that help to implement this position.