[glok]

“Whenever the intensity of looking reaches a certain degree, one becomes aware of an equally intense energy coming towards one through the appearance of whatever it is one is scrutinizing.” ― John Berger

Reductionism is a philosophical position which holds that a complex system is nothing but the sum of its parts, and that an account of it can be reduced to accounts of individual constituents. This can be said of objects, phenomena, explanation, theories, and meanings.

The authors of: Introduction: Why Does Psychiatry Need the Humanities? | Psychiatric Times tell us, "The humanities counter psychiatry’s temptation to objectify patients. *** Literature, art, and other offerings of the humanities counter reductionism by confronting us with each person’s subjectivity and individuality."

The authors discuss four fresh approaches to bringing humanities into psychiatry. Because of copyright concerns, the readers of this post should pursue the discussion in the article.

The last paragraph sums it up:

Bringing the arts and humanities to psychiatry requires bringing these areas of study into our education, our research, and our practice models. This does not mean that we should let go of neuroscience, genetics, or evidence-based treatments. It does not even mean giving up our white coats or our stethoscopes. It simply means that adding to our empirical knowledge base resources from the arts and humanities will expand the human side of our practice. The arts and humanities can mightily help us prepare for the most human moments of clinical care.

Many in psychiatry have been listening to clients who tell them too often the treatment they are receiving is not working. I view the expansion of the base of knowledge used to treat patients as a welcome course of action.

What do you think?

I think it is a good thing. I believe that art can be a very good outlet for expressing yourself. It can also be revealing and uncovering of deeper inner issues.

[brainhi]

What ever works!!!!!!

Many individuals and psychiatrists/therapists have had more exposure/experiences with the humanities than others..
so there are some individuals that would be more interested in the marriage of the two..It would be nice to be able to have these types of professionals available.

Government education does not really do a great job in these ares. They are more concerned with the basics - I wish it were different.

Plus, at a very young age some brains become more well developed in these areas and they are rewarding so the individual seeks more of these experiences.

I like - a lot......Sam Harris, he is an American author, philosopher, and neuroscientist

[Pikku Myy]

I my mind, it is about time humanities are included in mental health care. I believe a lot of the human brain thinking lays dormant, and the creative creative side explodes in ways with MI persons. Often good, sometimes not. We are all different and the treatment need to officially accept this so the complete "mind" can be nurtured back to health. So, that said.. humanities are important in study and treatment of psychology. Just my point of view...

[Nammu]

I can see there being something to this. 3 of the best therapists I had received their BAs from the humanities ( two in art one in writing)and one of the better Pdocs I had minored in art and was an art collector. I do need to point out though that I love art, perhaps this made a good common interest for us to communicate more easily, which lead to better overall treatment since we has a shared interest?

[PoorPrincess]

Personally, I could not fathom any sort of working therapeutic relationship, be it pdoc, therapist, LCSW counselor --- without the humanities being primary to the fabric of their being as a person.

Otherwise the relationship would be largely meaningless and merely technical/clinical expertise only perhaps. Would I expect the same of my neurologist or my surgeon?
Likely not.