Soul Searching: Why Psychotherapy Must Promote Moral Responsibility

by William J. Doherty

Paul, a divorced father, wants to back out of his child care arrangement and spend less time with his children. Nathan has been lying to his wife about a serious medical condition. Marsha, recently separated from her husband, cannot resist telling her children negative things about their father. What is the role of therapy in these situations? Trained to strive for neutrality and to focus strictly on the clients' needs, most therapists generally consider moral issues such as fairness, truthfulness, and obligation beyond their domain. Now, an award-winning psychologist and family therapist criticizes psychotherapy's overemphasis on individual self-interest and calls for a sense of moral responsibility in therapy.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Counselling, School

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Andrew Benesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand why this is a classic, but it's in dire need of updating (seriously, there's a substantive section on satanic panic stuff). As a clinician I feel like Doherty introduces important ideas, but I struggle with some of his rationale and application, particularly when it comes to safety and client autonomy. The author recognizes some of these issues, but often leaves them unresolved. While the instructor part of me likes that this forces students to wrestle with ambiguity, the therapist part of me feels like not presenting his own position is a bit of a cop out.

My other worry with this text is that the breadth of the language sometimes leads to students reading in meanings that aren't present. In particular, some students feel empowered to push their personal values on clients, or try to use the ideas in the text to justify discriminatory or substandard care. I wish the author would release and updated version that more strongly addresses these issues.

[Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character of a therapist is as important, if not more than, as the competence of a psychotherapist.

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another must-read if you're a therapist. It was highly recommended to me by the speaker at a recent ethics continuing-ed workshop. Written in the mid-90's, and more relevant now than ever.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say I agree with the book, but the author made an interesting case for the idea that therapists should challenge their clients to consider their moral responsibility to others. This book raises important questions: When is it OK for therapists to present their own value judgments to their clients? Is it ever possible for a therapist to not impose any values upon their clients?

In my opinion, it seems that there is no way therapy can be truly devoid of value judgments. Different schools of therapy present clients with different judgments about what psychological health entails. No one questions a therapist who urges a client to differentiate from his family and gain independence; but, as widely accepted as this goal may be, this too is a value that a therapist is imparting to his or her client. What, then, is the line that separates a healthy and helpful instillation of values from a harmful, rigid indoctrination? Is there any difference?

The book itself presents but one author's viewpoint on how moral values should be addressed in therapy. But the book's value for me was less in the offered solution and more in the profferred questions, which propel me to grapple with yet another layer of complexity in this line of work.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book talks about the process of psychotherapy and the limitations of the practice. In regards to ethical conduct, this book supports the communal view vs. individual. Often counseling focuses on the individual and his/her needs and wants, and in so doing, the bubble or focus tends to be individually oriented. Doherty puts forth that psychotherapy needs to consider the needs of the group when working with persons' needs.

ie. a spouse is unhappy in a marriage and wishes to leave. Rather than endorsing the notion outright, the therapist would work with the feelings of unhappiness and brainstorm ways the individual and group could function, vs. outright leaving the group.

The main goal is the reminder that our actions affect others and that we need to consider the consequences of our actions, and take responsibility for them.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is incredibly useful for future or current psychotherapists. Doherty poses the idea that it is not enough for professionals in this field to robotically treat all clients the same, use our microscope to treat only the individual sitting in front of us. He shares important moral qualities that should be envoked in order to help our clients engage in treatment that is respectful of the network of connections that they are part of. This is a call to advocate for moral action within the field of psychotherapy. (That being said, there are times where I disagree with some of the situations which Doherty presents). Overall, it is a very engaging book, and useful for those in the field.

[Emiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic philosophical resource on morality within the scopes of psychotherapy. It directly confronts the over-emphasis on individualism and its affect on society as a whole. I had reserved marking and highlighting in the book thinking I would resell, which lasted about 5 chapters. It's now a resource keeper.

"Many family therapists are comfortable talking about what clients need and deserve from other family members but are reluctant to talk about what clients owe other family members in care, commitment, fairness, and honesty."

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Doherty, challenges the concept of "value-neutral therapy" by articulating ethical concerns that should be present within the therapeutic relationship, and at the same time lists the virtues a therapist should cultivate in order to do this effectively. Whatever I would write in this review would not do the subject justice. Bottom line, I recommend this as necessary reading for any therapist licensed or in training.

[Terra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading this for work and have found myself pleasantly surprised by how good it is. I thought it would be all theory, but Doherty uses case examples to illustrate his points, making it easy to read.
I'd go so far as to say I'd recommend it for all therapists!! Allows us to see how we can perpetuate socially unjust behaviors and attitudes, and offers solutions for how to change that.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for those who want to become counselors or any other type of profession that deals with people. The writing was clear and understandable, but also made you think. It gives counselors more thing to think about when dealing with their clients.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! I am planning on using this as a reference later on...

[Jasmyn Wilkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! If your going into the therapeutic field, this is a must read!