CTA’s book, Cynical Therapies: Perspectives on the antitherapeutic nature of Critical Social Justice, has just received a positive review in an academic peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Research on Social Work Practice.
This review is important for two main reasons. First, it is a hopeful indication that the academy is becoming more open to critiques of CSJ. Second, that new perspectives generated from within the therapy field can be picked up and applied to the allied health and social care professions. As the reviewer notes: “Cynical Therapies offers several precise applications to social work practice. It serves as a critical reminder for social workers and therapists to prioritize the needs of their clients and to be vigilant against ideological pressures that may compromise their practice.”
The review is not open access so below are some more verbatim extracts:
“The authors argue that CSJ emphasizes group identity and power dynamics, categorizing individuals as either oppressors or oppressed. This framework is seen as detrimental to the therapeutic relationship, which traditionally focuses on individual experiences and healing. The contributors present a compelling case that adopting CSJ principles can lead to a victim mentality among clients, undermining their agency and exacerbating feelings of helplessness.”
“They contend that the increasing emphasis on social justice activism within therapy can detract from the essential skills needed for effective practice. This section is particularly relevant for social workers and therapists, highlighting the importance of maintaining professional standards amid ideological pressures.”
“One of the book’s notable strengths is its comprehensive approach to a contentious issue. The diverse perspectives the contributors offer enrich the discussion and provide a multifaceted view of the challenges CSJ poses in therapy. Including case studies and real-world examples enhances the arguments’ credibility, grounding theoretical critiques in practical realities.”
The main criticism concerns a lack of empirical support. The reviewer states, “Specific chapters rely heavily on theoretical frameworks and personal opinions rather than robust empirical research, which raises questions about the generalizability of the claims.”
Watch the book review’s author, Dr Nafees Alam in discussion with Dr Erec Smith on Unity v Disunity.
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