The Shrinking of America Summary (8/10)

The Shrinking of America:  Myths of Psychological Change is a very helpful resource to understand the myths of psychotherapy. Though dated, it still unpacks the many inherent problems within the psychotherapeutic world and gives an insiders view of such. Zilbergeld was a practicing therapist for many years and his book is an outgrowth of his disgust with the profession. Zilbergeld first and foremost is critical of the way in which psychotherapy has been appropriated by the medical profession and psychotherapy has in turn internalized this perception of itself.

The myths discussed in the book include the following: that all behavior has a single cause, that people can be cured, that the therapist is an expert, and that insight leads to change. Zilbergeld takes on each of these myths and systematically debunks them. He argues that behavior is often the result of many different factors and that people can only be helped, not cured. He also argues that therapists are not experts, but rather people who have gone through extensive training. He argues that insight does not necessarily lead to change and that change is often a slow process. Realistically, a person can only hope to be helped by therapy, not cured.

The main criticism of therapy is that it pathologizes normal human behavior. Zilbergeld believes that therapy often leads to a “medicalization” of problems, which can be harmful. He argues that many problems that people experience are normal and should not be seen as a sign of mental illness. Therapy can often make people feel like they are broken and in need of fixing, when in reality they are just experiencing normal human emotions.

Therapy is often ineffective. There are many studies that have been conducted that show that therapy does not work for a large percentage of people who seek it out. In fact, the success rate of therapy is often no better than the success rate of placebo. This is a problem that has been well documented and is a major criticism of the field. What about the popular belief that therapists are experts? Zilbergeld argues that therapists are not experts, but rather people who have gone through extensive training.

The final criticism of therapy is that it is often unsuccessful because it is too individualized. Zilbergeld believes that therapy should be more group-based, rather than individualized. He argues that group therapy is more effective because it allows people to share their experiences and learn from each other. Group therapy also allows people to see that they are not alone in their struggles and that there are other people who understand what they are going through. In the individualized West, group therapy has been slow to catch on. In the East, however, group therapy is much more common and is often seen as more effective. The individualized nature of therapy in the West may be one of the reasons why it is often ineffective.

Similar to other books that critique therapy, Zilbergeld’s book is important in that it offers an insider’s view of the many inherent problems within the psychotherapeutic world. The most important insight in my opinion is that therapy often leads to a “medicalization” of problems, which can be harmful. I agree with Zilbergeld that many problems people experience are normal and should not be seen as a sign of mental illness. As Kierkegaard, the great existentialist philosopher argued, anxiety is a necessary part of the human condition. It is only when we try to run away from our anxiety that it becomes pathological. Therapy can often make people feel like they are broken and in need of fixing, when in reality they are just experiencing normal human emotions.

Reading philosophy and classic books is an activity that has been replaced by incessant entertainment options. However, it is the former that allowed human beings to be introspective and learn from their mistakes, and to think critically about the world around them. Without a sense of introspection, one is a prisoner to social programming, teir emotons and whims. They are nable to step outside themselves and examine their own thoughts and actions. And in a society that is enamored with the quick fix, and quick money, it is not surprising that philosophy has been replaced by a package that you purchase or an acitivity that you outsource.

In a time where there is so much information available at any given time, it can be difficult to know what is true and what is not. This is where a well-trained therapist can be helpful. A therapist can help you to sort through your thoughts and emotions and to find a way to cope with them. However, it is important to remember that therapy is not a magic bullet. And finally, there is no real substitute to using one’s own mind.