Critical clinical psychology

Steven Coles

Aisling Mannion

pp. 557-578

in: Brendan Gough (ed), The Palgrave handbook of critical social psychology, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2017

Abstract

The chapter provides a critical examination of key assertions clinical psychology makes about itself in terms of science, therapy and social context. Whilst clinical psychology has the potential to be critically orientated, pursuit of professional interest causes tensions that undermine this. In exploring the potential for a critical positioned clinical psychology, consideration is given to social constructionism and social-materialism as alternatives to mainstream individualistic models. The chapter outlines examples of critical clinical psychology at various levels: within individual work; via opening up space for dissension within organisations; by facilitating group work; and through the support of community projects, social action and involvement in politics.