The Psychosocial and Cultural Significance of Therapy Culture - Essay Example

? The Psychosocial and Cultural Significance of ‘Therapy Culture’ Today Essay -The Psychosocial and Cultural Significance of ‘Therapy Culture’ Today 2. Define the aims and key terms of the essay question Therapy culture in the present day society cannot be alienated from a discussion of Psychosocial and Cultural Significance. This is from the fact that the major reason for therapy culture is to assess the influence of the therapy on the society involved. It is evident that every concept of life has a form of emotional culture in it. This is shaped by one’s culture that is solely responsible for shaping the emotional aspect of the individual. It is therefore justified to question the impact of therapy on the conformity of the individual in relation to their emotions as determined y culture and their psychosocial make-up. The present of an individual’s emotional makeup cannot be alienated from the culture which they exist as well as the psychosocial aspect of the individual. The developments in popular cultures, social and political life have therefore greatly impacted on the therapeutic life and response of the individual. Therapy Culture a. Cultural Significance of ‘Therapy Culture’ As argued by Oyedeji (2003; p.233), culture plays a major role in almost spheres of an individual’s life. Through culture, the health status of an individual is determined as well as the remedy or cure for the same illness. As Oyedeji (2003; p.234) argues, with the advent of globalization, the culture of individuals is slowly changing with time- what has been represented in the cultural diversity of individuals. However, the same has been replicated in the clinical practice where the clinicians have to embrace the cross cultural transactions that take place between two varying cultures. It is clear that culture plays a huge role in clinical practice and that the clinicians need to be careful whilst dealing with patients to avoid creating stereotypes that will affect the care pathways. Additionally, culture has been indicated to influence the link between care provision, clinician culture and the culture of the patient (Oyedeji, 2003; p.239). A good example is where the patients speak a particular language but the clinician is of another language. This means that the mode of communication will have some comprehension issues, as various cultures use different codes in the course of communication. In the event that an interpreter is used, the problem may be solved partially as the thoughts and feelings of the client may not e aired as they ought to be. Oyedeji (2003; p.240) is conversant with the fact that cultural sensitivity in clinical practice plays a huge role in successful health outcomes. This is from the fact that a lot of patients feel satisfied with the manner of treatment on them as well as the contribution the clinician in an attempt to comprehend their health status. On the other hand, Jim & Pistrang (2007; p.464) argue that clinicians need to be extremely sensitive in regard to culture and service provision to patients. This prevents situations such as premature termination of the therapy required since patients feel discriminated on the basis of their culture. Aspects of culture like the role of the family, history, self-fulfillment of a group of people determine their self identity. In the event that the patients are deprived of these crucial aspects, it is evident that they may term the therapeutic treatment as not meeting their needs; thus, termination. This thought concurs with that of Nagayama (2001, p.502) who argues that it is only ethical that sensitive therapy e adopted for patients. This sensitive therapy is one that involves tailoring the care provided to cultural contexts (Nagayama, 2001, p.502). Conclusively, it is arguable that the best care by the therapists is one that focuses on delivering services with the involved cultures in mind. A good understanding of the needs of the cultural groups is vital for an understanding of the workability of therapy. b. Psychosocial Significance of ‘Therapy Culture’ The Psychosocial aspect greatly influences the therapy culture. According to Wright (2011, p.41), psychosocial intervention solely majors on reduction of grief symptoms, improvement in the psychosocial functioning of individuals; hence, general satisfaction with life. Psychosocial treatment also focuses on helping the clients develop skills on dealing with and improving their environment. This is to mean that psychosocial treatments are ongoing treatments for patients. Through psychosocial treatments, Wright (2011, p.41) argues that care management becomes all-inclusive. In the present day world, it is evident that there are numerous diseases that have come up. They range from cancer, high blood pressure to HIV/ AIDS amongst others. In this case, the clinicians must be conversant with the mechanisms in which they will manipulate the preset treatment technologies appropriately and effectively to provide significant relief from the psychotic despair ad alternatively improve their life to make it more fulfilling I the society. Shean (2013, p.2) gives a good example of schizophrenic patients who need to embrace integrative treatment for their mental illness, have forms of acquiring income, ensure that the care givers are well versed with the proper modes of treatment as well as the community at large. This means that patients will enjoy self management in the course of their illness and feel useful in the society at large despite their desperate conditions. Psychosocial interventions are then are keen to address the environment in which the individual inhabits therefore enable them achieve their goals in life. It is the role of the clinicians, for that reason, to ensure that they provide skills that will create environments that will support the development of individuals generally. This paper shall evaluate the Psychosocial and Cultural Significance of ‘Therapy Culture in the contemporary world in context to Margret Thatcher’s funeral case study and Nadine Dorres signs six-figure book deal textual evidence. CONTENT 3. Summary and order of themes to be covered: The social and cultural context Therapy Culture as argued by Furedi (2004, p. 18) may be defined as the influence of therapy on the life of individuals in the society. Therapy is determined by the individual their cultural influences as well as psychology. Through this culture, a lot of persons are made to feel powerless and exceedingly sick; thus, the need to seek medical intervention. It is in this context that Furedi (2004, p. 29) recommends that the manner in which therapy is given to patients be assessed keenly due to the developments in culture, social and political lives. (b) Theories of the self and self-experience within the social and cultural context above a. Theories of the self and self-experience Theories of the self are major determinants of self experience, for instance the theories of unconscious self.  These theories aid the politicians and their emotional appeal for voters. i. Theory of play and flirtation The theory of play and flirtation as argued by Whitty (2003, pp. 869) relates to the psychoanalytic theory that gives an activity the ability to develop as a form of play. The cyber users are said to have developed a form of addiction that makes them addicted to the act (Whitty (2003, pp. 871). This creates a form of reconstruction where the individuals can simply not operate without having access to the online activity. This kind of activity clearly has an effect on the psychology of the user, in a destructive manner as the user has developed a form of dependency on the play (Whitty, 2003, pp. 872). In relation to politics, politicians have found a way of soliciting for votes from the citizens by coming up with activities that see to the voters getting addicted to their scams. For instance, the politicians may bribe the voters; give them fake promises all in the move to use them as objects of their success. This leads to a consideration of the therapeutic impacts of considering political games ad tricks as a form of play. ii. Theory of masquerade Robinson (2006, p. 32) argues that the theory of masquerade, argues that individuals do a lot of activities unconsciously. Riviere uses an example of women who apparently were displeased with their sexuality. This explains why a lot of women unconsciously despise their sexuality and long to get love and appreciation (Robinson, 2006, pp. 33). It is a deprivation of the love and appreciation to the women that leads to their envy on other women who are actually better than them. Riviere then believes that women are failed men in the society (Robinson, 2006, pp. 33). In regard to politicians and their emotional appeal for voters, they ought to play around with the weaknesses of other equal competitors who may stand chance to outdo them. This will create an unconscious thought to the voters who will then be lured to vote for the most vocal politician. b. Theories of therapy culture- Late Modern & Consumer Culture  i. Late modern theory Fornas (1995, pp. 2) argues that the late modernity theory is also referred to super-modernity. This theory is of the opinion that modernization processes have been instrumental in influencing individuals’ perception towards their environment. Late modernity theory, therefore, involves transformation processes of the individuals, which may either be a transformer or a destroyer (Fornas 1995, pp. 22). According to Yates (2011, pp.61), the theory of late modernity is one that argues that individuals are indeed influenced by welfare specialists. This involves feelings such as jealously that are termed to be dreadful and ones that may force individuals to seek therapy. This relates from the fact that a lot of individuals have actually been unable to deal with disappointments in their lives (Yates, 2011, pp.66). Some are not even able to acknowledge the good things in their lives. It is in this context that a lot of individuals are then forced to seek some form of therapies so as to deal with their forms of disappointments. One can then argue that individuals quickly seek a route to themselves and how they can acquire happiness. Yates (2011, pp.66), argues that this form of therapy is influenced by the contemporary culture and have clearly delineated themselves from the Freud proposition of endurance of the self. In this case, it is justified to recommend that individuals apply reasoning prior to an indulging of responses that do not solve their problems, but make their situations worse. The theory can then be said to apply emotions that are illogical like jealousy, explaining why a lot of individuals are not able to respond to the uncertainties of life (Yates, 2011, pp.66). Therapy culture, therefore, has lost the value of the self. Despite the fact that the self might be a product of cultural and mental conceptualization, it is important to note that there must be autonomy between the self and the therapeutic interventions that are applied on the individuals. In relation to the emerging therapy culture, individuals have had novel opportunities for development. Individuals have resulted to self therapy, what also represents the capitalism epoch. Individuals have then not been positioned to accept the consequences of their action that is put forward by the therapy culture (Yates, 2011, pp.66).The late modern theory can be said to have destroyed the previous structures that determined the kind of behavior of individuals in today’s era. Late modernity assumes the contribution of where the present day systems trace their base, which is key to an understanding of the therapy culture (Yates, 2011, pp.67). It is in this context that one would argue that the late modern theory is subjective in nature and has some form of self-interests. Emotional control has actually been distorted and actually been replaced by emotional well being. Individuals are seemingly more concerned with the current wave of their self, even ones that have been presented by politicians as opposed to the ones that are given y the healthcare professionals (Yates, 2011, pp.67). The unconscious constructions of the self, may in this context be termed as destructive leaving a lot of niches for the successful therapy to patients. In this case, the media must play a huge role in reconstructing the beliefs of the individuals through its broadcasts (Yates, 2011, pp.68). With this, the individuals will then be subjected to better ways of self knowledge as they will comprehend the fact that therapeutic processes have a process to follow. ii. Consumer Culture theory The Consumer Culture theory as argued by Yates (2011, pp.70) involves the extension of culture to the therapy process. A good example could relate to the example where a lot of individuals are always on the move to mimic celebrities. This kind of imitation is one that creates a kind of self actualization among individuals who claim to feel good about their well being. The consumer culture is one that has been seen to be a major source of subjectivity in an individual. Yates (2011, pp.70) terms the consumer culture as the reflection of both the mind and the body. A lot of individuals for instance imitate celebrities whether political, or even musicians which explain the zeal of individuals to be like other persons (Yates, 2011, pp.60). These individuals have therefore resulted to spending a great deal of their resources towards in becoming like these individuals. This desire for celebrity life would actually be a good base for the study of the nature of therapy culture. It is from the present day consumer culture that a researcher would comprehend the variations and link between politics, culture, celebrity life and influence and the therapy culture. An understanding of the link between these factors would explain the reasons behind a lot of individuals yearning to be like other persons in the society. This explains how individuals are becoming ‘lost’ in themselves and getting consumed in the life of other (Yates, 2011, pp.60). In relation to therapeutic culture, it is evident that the kind of services offered to individuals revolves around their emotional well being as opposed to the well being of their health. The services offered ought to be consumer- friendly as dictated by the contemporary consumer culture. All aspects of the self, for instance sexuality, are being personalized so as to be in line with the emotional self (Yates, 2011, pp.60). Yates (2011, pp.60) says that the major determining factor in successful therapeutic interventions must revolve around the desire for emotional well being as the consumer culture dictates. If the certainty of getting happiness for individuals is guaranteed, then the therapeutic intervention is validated. The theory of consumer culture can then be said to focus solely on personal satisfaction and management of the self. (c) What case study material are you going to use to develop the discussion and further illustrate your answer? i. Margaret Thatcher’s funeral case study The above theories can be likened to Thatcher’s funeral where the crowds were said to applaud her in appreciation. Despite the overheard jeers seemingly taking over, they were quickly taken over by the applauds (Deacon, 2013, p.1). This is to mean that the unconscious boos were taken over despite their being pre-determined. The booers were made to unconsciously embrace the fact the fallen leader was a hero of the society and a role model to many. The crowd as argued by Deacon (2013, p.1) went silent in her memory. (d) What textual evidence are you going to use to back up your case study? i. Textual evidence- Nadine’s deal BBC News (2013) of Nadine’s deal is one that explains that the ability of an individual to win the minds of others plays a great deal in the life of other individuals. Despite the issues revolving around the author, the news indicates that the author had the ability to win the hearts of many people with her appealing words and structure of her work. (BBC News, 2013). This interprets that the therapeutic culture depends on the manipulation of the individual’s unconscious self, whether through words, actions and thoughts. (e) Conclusion Conclusively, this paper argues that the psychosocial and cultural aspects cannot be alienated from a discussion of therapy and the therapy culture. With the changing times, it has been recognized that the clinicians also need to change the manner of treatment to their patients so as to suit the varying individual needs. The paper has also engaged a discussion on the late modern & consumer culture theories of therapy culture, the theories of the self and self-experience, Margaret Thatcher’s funeral case study and textual evidence of Nadine’s deal from the BBC News. References BBC News., 2013. Nadine Dorres signs six-figure book deal. 13 September, 2013. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24077796.Accessed16 September, 2013. Deacon, M., 2013. Margaret Thatcher Funeral procession: How cheers drowned out jeers. 17 April, 2013. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/margaret-thatcher/10000991/Margaret-Thatcher-funeral-procession-How-applause-drowned-out-the-jeers.html, Accessed, 6th September 2013. Fornas, J., 1995. Cultural Theory and Late Modernity. London: SAGE. Furedi, F., 2004. Therapy Culture: Cultivating Vulnerability in an Uncertain Age. London: Routledge. Jim, J., & Pistrang, N., 2007. Culture and the therapeutic relationship: Perspectives from Chinese clients. Psychotherapy Research, 17(4): 461-. 473. Nagayama, H., 2001. Psychotherapy research with ethnic minorities: Empirical, ethical and conceptual issues. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 69, 502-510. Oyedeji, A., 2003. Importance of Cultural Sensitivity in Therapeutic Transactions: Considerations for Healthcare Providers. Disease Management & Health Outcomes, 11 (4): 233-248. Robinson, H., 2006. Reading Art, Reading Irigaray: The Politics of Art by Women. New York: I.B.Tauris. Shean, G., 2013. Empirically Based Psychosocial Therapies for Schizophrenia: The Disconnection between Science and Practice. Schizophrenia Research and Treatment. Article ID 792769: 1-8 http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/792769 Whitty, F., 2003. Cyberspace as Potential Space: Considering the Web as a Playground to Cyber-flirt. Human Relations 56 (7):869-891. Wright, K., 2011. The Rise of the Therapeutic Society. NY: New Academia Publishing, LLC. Yates, C., 2011. “Charismatic Therapy Culture And The Seductions Of Emotional Well-Being”, Free Associations: Psychoanalysis and Culture, Media, Groups, Politics, 62: 59-84. Read More