The Social Construction of Mental Illness and Its Implications for Neuroplasticity

By (author) Michael T. Walker

Publication date:

14 September 2016

Length of book:

254 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

Dimensions:

240x158mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781498524834

The Social Construction of Mental Illness and Its Implications for Neuroplasticity examines how the current concept of mental illness in society informs the dialogic skills and perspectives of psychotherapists. The common interpretation of unconventional behavior as a symptom of illness has marginalized the creative class and deterred mental health professionals from developing the skills and perspectives needed to empower their clients. Too often the neuroplasticity of the human brain is ignored in favor of the organizing metaphor of chemical imbalance which often results in the relegation of clients’ needs to the pharmaceutical industry. Michael T. Walker encourages psychotherapists to evolve their practice by considering the new information available in neuroscience, psychotherapy outcome studies, and postmodern psychotherapies.
In clear and compelling terms, Walker joins a phalanx of critics who challenge the constraining and injurious practice of mental illness diagnosis. However, Walker draws from his extensive experience as a therapist and coach to explore a humanistic alternative to knee-jerk drug prescriptions. As he demonstrates, the results of artful compassion are indeed consistent with those of contemporary neuroscience. This is essential reading for therapists and the public alike.