Psychology at the Heart of Social Change

- Blurb -

We live in troubled times: COVID-19, police racism, and climate change are just some of the challenges we are currently facing. Never has there been such a need for a new politic - nor such an opportunity for one. To create a world in which people thrive, we need to know what thriving is. Over the past century, psychotherapy - and its parent discipline, psychology - has built up a rich, vibrant, and highly practical understanding of human wellbeing and distress. This book shows why we need, and can create, a progressive politics that is profoundly informed by insights from the psychotherapeutic and psychological domain, moving us from a politics of blame to a politics of understanding. In this vision of the world -- surrounded by a culture of radical acceptance - all individuals can live fulfilling lives. We need progressive political forces to develop greater understandings of psychological needs and processes; and to work with others in a spirit of collaboration, dialogue and respect. ' Have you ever wondered what psychology can do to make a positive contribution to building a sustainable and more just society? Cooper offers a comprehensive framework for how to use psychotherapeutic principles to revitalise progressive political practice. ' - John McLeod, Abertay University' A very powerful case for integrating the insights of humanistic psychology into activism. Being more honest, accepting and compassionate, as well as showing our vulnerability, would undoubtedly get us a lot further. ' - Peter Baker, Director, Global Action on Men' s Health