Oral Presentation by Julian Dicks¹
¹ University of Cologne, Netzwerk Kritische Psychotherapie, Germany
TIME: Tuesday, 14 July, 14:30 – 16:00
Location: Room 3
Session: 7
Abstract
In a time of multiple crises – from ecological disasters to wars – psychotherapy is faced withthe question of its role in society. This lecture analyses psychological suffering as a sociallymediated phenomenon that is deeply rooted in capitalist modes of production and acutestates of crisis. The central thesis is that much suffering is based on structural overloadunder neoliberal living conditions, which is exacerbated by a permanent state of emergency.One focus is on the analysis of the subject in capitalism: it is explained how the universalcommodity form and the associated alienation structurally constitute the psyche. Thenecessity to sell one’s own labour as a commodity can manifest itself in feelings ofalienation. This is supplemented by a perspective on the historical process of change in theworld of work and life, which is accompanied by processes of singularisation that shapecertain subject ideals. The analysis highlights how increasing internal discipline leads thesubject to internalise authoritarian demands. These socio-structural conditions can serve asan explanation for the specific form of exhaustion experienced today.Despite the broad perspective of the generally accepted biopsychosocial model, clinicalpractice often remains stuck in an individualising logic that reduces suffering to intrapersonaldeficits. Approaches that focus on resilience and acceptance run the risk of systematicallyignoring the social conditions described above. An emancipatory alternative must focus onthe individual’s ability to act as the disposition of their living conditions (Holzkamp). To thisend, the lecture integrates Ernst Bloch’s concept of hope as an emotion that points to themutability of social conditions. It also draws on Rahel Jaeggi’s concept of progress, whichunderstands progress as a learning process aimed at overcoming systemic “learning blocks”and regressive structures.Finally, the lecture discusses approaches that aim to transform isolated suffering intocollective capacity for action. The goal is a form of psychotherapy that promotes patients’connection to the world, recognises the social roots of suffering, and actively participates insocial movements to help transform them.