The Radical Circle: Toward a Psychological Counter-Hegemony
摘要
This chapter critically examines how “psyauthorities”—psychological authorities within psychotherapy—perpetuate capitalist ideologies, often obscuring systemic sources of oppression like capitalism itself. Despite psychotherapy’s commitment to alleviating psychological suffering and promoting social justice, mainstream practices frequently omit anti-capitalist perspectives. Drawing on Marxist theory and Gramsci’s concept of organic intellectuals, the chapter argues that psyauthorities function to maintain capitalist hegemony, using cultural capital and their positions within the professional managerial class to define norms and pathologize dissent. I advocate for radical therapists to form Radical Circles (RCs)—small, organized groups committed to socialist practices—to subvert illegitimate authority and work toward systemic change and use the formation of the present book as a concrete example. Practical steps for forming RCs are provided, including connecting with like-minded individuals, setting clear goals, remaining flexible, and aligning with broader political movements. The chapter concludes that socialism represents the ultimate form of psychotherapy by addressing the root causes of psychological suffering and empowering individuals to participate in societal transformation.