The principles and practice of social therapy originated in the 1970s through the work of philosopher and psychotherapist, Fred Newman.. Conceived primarily as a critique of mainstream pathologically focused and individuated psychotherapy, social therapeutics has evolved to become one of the most innovative and practical of the postmodern approaches.
Primarily a group approach, in which clients learn to create their group-therapeutic environment, social therapy has been practiced in the US and across the globe in diverse therapy settings including clinics, hospitals, schools, community centers and youth programs. Like narrative, social constructionist, collaborative and other postmodern therapies, social therapeutics challenges many of psychology’s presuppositions about therapy, the therapeutic relationship, illness, cure and treatment.
Social Therapeutics 101