This discussion examines therapist perspectives on therapeutic neutrality and social commitment. Mary Goulding highlights community resilience, while James Masterson supports neutrality with social awareness. Cloe Madanes advocates for directive therapy to protect the vulnerable, and Jean Houston calls for integrating personal and societal healing. The panel agrees that therapists must address social issues without compromising clinical integrity, acting as both healers and agents of change.
Moderated by Jon Carlson, PsyD, EdD
This keynote traces the shift in psychotherapy from systemic approaches to the rise of managed care and psychopharmacology. It critiques profit-driven models and the overuse of medication, especially in cases involving children removed from families. Emphasizing the importance of family therapy and community involvement, it promotes ethical, value-driven practice and highlights success stories where systemic interventions led to lasting change.
