Halachic Judaism's Influence on the Practice of Psychotherapy

Abstract

This paper enumerates and discusses some halachic principles and values which are exerting increasing influence on the practice of psychotherapy. This trend is linked to the resurgence of spiritual values and content in mainstream psychology and therapy, and to the changing concepts of the philosophy of science. The cultural roots of psychotherapy, specifically the contrast between the Greek and Jewish approaches to freedom are also briefly analyzed. The Jewish stand is viewed as imposing a set of values which has as its core enormous respect for the person and his/her ability to choose. Another factor regarded as pivotal is that Jewish teachings foster esteem for objectivity as opposed to the rampant subjectivity seen in some contemporary psychotherapeutic methods. An additional factor discussed is the relation of character traits to therapy. Finally, some facets of the unconscious are analyzed as to their relation to psychotherapy and Judaism.