Lessons from psychology in Palestine

More than psychotherapy, we need a truly community psychology

Abstract

In this article, we provide a historical overview of community psychology in Palestine, drawing lessons for the critical analysis of psychology’s development, especially for capitalism periphery, and its possible contributions to Palestinian resistance against genocide. The rise of Palestinian community psychology, linked to liberation and anti-colonial struggle, and its subsequent decline, demonstrate the need to go beyond academia and institutionalisation, overcoming the boundaries of psychology itself. Community psychology, criticism of psychology, and decolonisation are not metaphors or rhetoric. They are praxis. It is important to consider community psychology as a part of another ethical-political project of psychology. In this regard, more than psychotherapy, we need a truly community psychology. Finally, solidarity with Palestine and Palestinians as a political praxis is essential, as is the production of knowledge that engages with Palestinian resistance, especially from the perspective of Palestinians and their voices.