Reluctant Alliance

by Bobby Newman

In the adversarial climate of contemporary psychology, Newman effectively tears down many of the ideological walls separating two powerful schools of thought.

Humanistic psychology and behavior analysis have long been viewed as staunch opponents in the practice of psychology. Newman's careful research into the theories, positions, and approaches of both camps dispels the myths of behaviorists as cold "manipulators" and of humanistic psychologists as weak-willed "armchair philosophers." After examining both systems, he outlines their shared philosophical and historical roots. Newman explores such questions


- How should psychotherapy be conducted?


- How is moral behavior created and maintained?


- Is behaviorism unethical?


- What forms of education are most effective at imparting information and improving self-concepts?

After a careful reading of The Reluctant Alliance, humanists will come to appreciate that behaviorism is not destructive determinism, and behaviorists will learn that much of what they hold to be true is a natural outgrowth of humanistic thought.

130 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1992

About the author

Bobby Newman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Analyst in New York and Tennessee, and Licensed Psychologist in New York and Florida. Affectionately known as the Dark Overlord of ABA, Bobby is the first author on over a dozen books regarding behavior therapy, the philosophy of behaviorism, the autism spectrum disorders, utopian literature, and fitness. His books have been translated into Spanish, Russian and Japanese. He has published over two dozen articles in professional journals, as well as numerous popular magazine articles and has hosted two series of radio call-in shows. Bobby is the Past-President of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment and the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis. A popular speaker, Bobby also provides direct treatment, staff training and consultation around the world, and has been honored for this work by several parents and professional groups. He is the Executive Director of Clinical Services for Proud Moments. Bobby is also a certified personal trainer, obstacle course racer and marathoner and is an Ambassador for the Great Sportsmanship Programme. Bobby teaches non-violent crisis intervention philosophy and techniques for agencies and families. Bobby was a final four finalist for the 2016 For Those Who Would Humanitarian Award and is a certified cigar sommelier.