Therapy in the 21st Century

This article by Michael D. Yapko critiques the current state of psychotherapy, emphasizing the need for the profession to engage more actively in social and political issues rather than maintaining neutrality. Yapko argues that while there have been improvements in mental health services and an increased focus on mental health as a public issue, the field remains too focused on treatment rather than prevention. He suggests that psychotherapy should expand its focus to include preventive measures, especially within educational systems. Yapko advocates for the integration of critical thinking and life skills into school curricula to reduce the onset of mental health issues and prepare individuals to navigate complex social realities. He highlights the success of such programs in Finland as a model for others to follow.

  • Understand the critique of psychotherapy’s traditional focus on treatment over prevention.

  • Analyze the argument for psychotherapists to take more active social and political stances.

  • Explore the potential of preventive strategies in reducing the onset of mental health issues.

  • Examine the role of education in developing critical thinking and life skills as a means of prevention.

  • Identify the challenges and obstacles in implementing preventive mental health programs in educational settings.

  • Evaluate Finland’s educational approach to critical thinking and its impact on resilience to misinformation.

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