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Constructing the Self, Constructing America: A Cultural History Of Psychotherapy
In this ground-breaking cultural history of psychotherapy, historian and psychologist Philip Cushman shows how the development of modern psychotherapy is inextricably intertwined with that of the United States and how it has changed the way Americans view events and themselves. By tracing our various definitions of the self throughout history, Cushman reveals that psychotherapy is very much a product of a particular time and place—and that it has been fundamentally complicit in creating many of the ills it seeks to assuage.
449 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 8, 2021
This could have been said in 1/3 of the pages but for an assigned reading, we’ll take it 🙃
April 28, 2024
love the conceit, hate the writing, an unnecessary long but at times brilliant book
May 27, 2017
Absolutely outstanding book - one of the most insightful books on psychotherapy I have ever read! Drawing from an impressively deep understanding of both American cultural history and theories of psychotherapy, Cushman eloquently argues that the constructs of self which are culturally active during particular historical eras are supported and perpetuated by the systems of psychotherapy that emerge during those eras. The contemporary self, which is created and sustained by consumerism, is characterized by emptiness and an urgent need to fill itself. Modern psychotherapy, with its emphasis on an interiorized, bounded self, serves to reify and sustain this empty self, while manifestly purporting to resolve the suffering caused by it. An eye-opening masterpiece, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in critical, hermeneutic perspectives on psychotherapy.
July 28, 2007
One of the most influential books I've read.
August 7, 2018
This book provides an excellent snapshot of the history of how the American worldview evolved up until the end of the 20th centure. Written in the mid 90s, I'd be interested to hear this author's opinions of what has transpired these last couple decades. I would imagine we are seeing a shift of identity through globalization. A bit long at times, my interests in psychology kept me intrigued. All in all, I feel like I understand the American worldview a bit more, especially in light of the most recent polarizations we have experienced.
September 30, 2018
A very thoughtful read.
June 13, 2024
i can't say i really read this so much a skimmed it. probably on me for picking up a 30 year old book on psychotherapy lol
July 4, 2025
Review maybe forthcoming
October 20, 2011
The book traces the development of the American self from post civil war to modern times.
Cushman is a Psychiatrist, but the book is a harsh critique of his profession. He makes a strong case that psychotherapy is based on a fundamental error - the belief that there is a transhistorical, transcultural self.
He also makes the case that psychotherapy was co-opted by industry [think advertising, public relations, organizational psych, etc.] and used to shape the American sense of "self" in order to fit the needs of the American economic model.
He calls the American configuration the "empty self". And the emptiness creates an unending desire to consume - ideal for a consumerist society and necessary for the optimal functioning of an industrialized capitalist economic system.
The American self [and to some extent, the western self in general] is never satisfied. They continually consume in an attempt to achieve wholeness. Sasisfaction is not possible with the empty self. And, he claims that psychotherapy feeds into this by reinforcement of the status quo. Also, psychotherapy situates problems within the individual. He describes this approach as a subtle version of blaming the victim.
Not an easy read, but it is accessible to a persistnet layperson.
Cushman is a Psychiatrist, but the book is a harsh critique of his profession. He makes a strong case that psychotherapy is based on a fundamental error - the belief that there is a transhistorical, transcultural self.
He also makes the case that psychotherapy was co-opted by industry [think advertising, public relations, organizational psych, etc.] and used to shape the American sense of "self" in order to fit the needs of the American economic model.
He calls the American configuration the "empty self". And the emptiness creates an unending desire to consume - ideal for a consumerist society and necessary for the optimal functioning of an industrialized capitalist economic system.
The American self [and to some extent, the western self in general] is never satisfied. They continually consume in an attempt to achieve wholeness. Sasisfaction is not possible with the empty self. And, he claims that psychotherapy feeds into this by reinforcement of the status quo. Also, psychotherapy situates problems within the individual. He describes this approach as a subtle version of blaming the victim.
Not an easy read, but it is accessible to a persistnet layperson.
January 26, 2008
A smart and thoughtful exploration of the origins of psychotherapy, and how therapy reflects and often reinforces dominant narratives of self in mainstream Western society (ie, an empty, individualistic, consumerist self). Cushman argues that therapy is inherently a moral and political discourse, and that as therapists we should own this, disclose it, and identify values propagated in the culture, dialectics of community and connection vs. individualism and consumerism. Interesting ideas about how some new age spirituality can also serve to focus on "enriching the interior," itself a materialistic and potentially alienating endeavor.
April 20, 2015
This book is incredible. Rich and fascinating and a pleasure to read, as well as making one of the more game-changing and important points I've come across. There's a small shelf of books that actually changed my thinking permanently, became part of my philosophy... this one is going straight to that shelf.
Cushman's argument is beautifully crafted and a pleasure to read. It requires some investment on the reader's part, as it's written at a pretty high level, and that is part of its greatness. It is intensely relevant to the problems our society is facing, and I believe it holds some of the solution many of us are so desperately seeking. I really can't recommend it highly enough.
Cushman's argument is beautifully crafted and a pleasure to read. It requires some investment on the reader's part, as it's written at a pretty high level, and that is part of its greatness. It is intensely relevant to the problems our society is facing, and I believe it holds some of the solution many of us are so desperately seeking. I really can't recommend it highly enough.
June 9, 2012
Definitely different but a must read for all those involved with psychotherapy. This book highlights some interesting dynamics about why some therapies become successful. Unfortunately it doesn't include the developments of the past 30 years. I'd love to see a sequel.
February 8, 2015
A must read for anyone interested in psychology and history. Couldn't put it down. Very artistic actually in the way it's written. Not psychobabbly at all. Helped me to realize obvious things about my culture I'd never noticed before.
Want to read
April 1, 2009from J-term '09 Campus Ministry Seminar
November 17, 2012
I wrote about this book here:
http://healersandfeelings.blogspot.co...
http://healersandfeelings.blogspot.co...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews