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I am a better therapist since I let go of therapeutic theory | Aeon Essays

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After decades of practising psychotherapy, I believe it has little foundation in science and often causes harm

The art of ‘being for another’ – following, listening to and making sense of another person’s world – has been practised for millennia. Humans have always discussed their lives, their values and their problems, trying to find meaning, solace and joy. Experts at this sort of discussion have been called wise women, shamans, priests – and now therapists. Then, starting with Sigmund Freud, came a series of attempts to create a science of psychotherapy out of it. But there is very little science to it. Being there for another person is uncomfortable. It is difficult. There is no peace, since…

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