53 Comments
May 16, 2023Liked by Eddie Waldrep, PhD, MSCP

Thanks for writing this piece. As a clinical psychologist, I find myself disappointed and embarrassed by the complete abdication of our imperative to seek truth through science. It’s unbelievable to see so many unfounded concepts (implicit bias, micro aggressions, etc..) catch on so quickly in mainstream pop science. Articles like this one should serve as a call to action for those of us in the field to wake up and be honest. As for the public- it needs to be known that we are not all lost in the woke madness. You can find a non-ideologue therapist, though admittedly it is far harder than it should be.

Expand full comment

How?? I have family members in great need of therapists but it seems like all the providers in my area have already been captured by critical ideology.

Expand full comment
May 18, 2023Liked by Eddie Waldrep, PhD, MSCP

Try the links in this excerpt taken from a recent article in the Free Press https://www.thefp.com/p/how-therapists-became-social-justice-warriors?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=260347&post_id=121935886&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email

Christine Sefein is now part of Critical Therapy Antidote, a platform co-founded in 2020 by Val Thomas. Its website says it “has become a significant platform for critiquing the tenets of Critical Social Justice in relation to therapy. . . . We provide support, advocacy and resources for an increasingly beleaguered profession.”

Andrew Hartz is launching the Open Therapy Institute this summer, whose mission is to “foster open inquiry in mental health care and support those underserved in the face of politicization of the field.” The institute will offer professional development for therapists and promises to provide patients therapy from professionals who “strive to be open, curious, and empathic,” he said.

In 2021, psychologist Brian Canfield, Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Florida Atlantic University, co-founded the International Association of Psychology and Counseling to, according to the website, “oppose all forms of racism, cultural bias, discrimination. . . and cancellation” and to promote “critical thinking over indoctrination.” Canfield told me, “Under no circumstances, ethically or morally, should we use our clinical positions to proselytize or try to shape the worldview of our clients.”

Expand full comment
May 16, 2023Liked by Eddie Waldrep, PhD, MSCP

Eddie, thank you for writing this. I am just now completing a course in Research Methods at my local community college and was appalled at the chapter on "Bias-Free Language" in the APA's Publication Manual 7th edition. Section 5.5 states that "sex refers to biological sex assignment" (I do not understand how sex can be assigned) but then it goes on to state that "disparaging terms" such as birth sex and natal sex "should be avoided" and that "...birth sex and natal sex imply that sex is an immutable characteristic without sociocultural influence." As if the facts of human reproductive roles are suddenly controversial and biological sex is a social construct! To think that guidelines such as these are the final word for researchers and clinicians writing in the field is absurd and scary.

Expand full comment
May 16, 2023Liked by Eddie Waldrep, PhD, MSCP

Unfortunately I believe we have already lost trust in medical associations, research institutions, electoral systems, politicians, academics, intelligence and school boards. It has all been infected by marxists. We either have to root out the activists or rebuild.

Expand full comment

Deidre...keep talking into this tiny, clueless, ever shrinking group of miscreants who call anything they're incapable of understanding "Marxist." LOL!

Expand full comment

“Tiny” “clueless” “miscreants.” These do not constitute arguments.

Expand full comment

I didn’t understand the article but I think it was criticising Marxism.

Expand full comment

Eddie Waldrep makes some excellent points here, and is correct in asserting that the APA has largely been captured by Critical Social Justice Theory, of which Critical Race Theory is a part. What he leaves out of his analysis is the pivotal role that postmodernism played in catalyzing the emergence of CSRT, and the fact that postmodernism and Marxism/historical materialism furnish us with incommensurable perspectives on contemporary society. Postmodernism rejects universalism. Marxism does not. (Don't believe me? Ask a Marxist).

Also, for the sake of clarity, permit me to point out that both critics and adherents of CSJT are apt to buy into a false narrative which claims that Marxism begat Critical Theory, which begat postmodernism, which begat Critical Social Justice Theory. Not so. In truth, critical theory - a term coined by Max Horkheimer in 1930 - is an interdisciplinary approach to social science characteristic of the Frankfurt School; one that was influenced by philosophers like Kant a Hegel and by Marx, Weber and Freud. Critical theorists (myself included) are extremely critical of postmodernism, and by implication, of CSJT.

For a recent discussion of these ideas and trends, see "Critical Theory, Left-Wing Authoritarianism and Anti-Semitism" and "Mapping the White Unconscious: Critical Race Theory, Whiteness Studies and Psychoanalysis" in Critical Theory and Psycholanalysis: From the Frankfurt School to Contemporary Critique, edited by Jon Mills and Daniel Burston (London: Routledge, 2023

Expand full comment

Thank you for the clarification. It's not a technical detail of interest to academics only. Unless I'm mistaken, figures such as the crackpot gadfly James Linsday are making a living by harping on the supposed connection between Marxism and Critical Theory. Once a somewhat sensible critic of progressive excesses, Lindsay now sees Commies under every bed, stationed there by the proponents of cultural Marxism. MAGA people don't need reasons to come up with falsehoods, but figures such as Lindsay are fueling the Republican Party's campaign of red-baiting.

Expand full comment

Yes, sadly James Lindsay has followed a strange trajectory, becoming a strong Trump supporter in the process. His early work was good, as in the "Sokal Squared" hoax and in his book co-authored with Helen Pluckrose, "Cynical Theories", but he has identified with the extreme Right and makes anti-Wokism the be-all and end-all of his position, even tolerating if not supporting Putinism.

Expand full comment
May 17, 2023Liked by Eddie Waldrep, PhD, MSCP

thank you for this important article. You present a complicated subject with depth and clarity. that the destruction of quality of life and liberty is not a byproduct of an ideology but its purpose is chilling.

Expand full comment
May 16, 2023Liked by Eddie Waldrep, PhD, MSCP

This is exactly about the destruction of individualism replaced by collectivism or communism. The Social Justice and Equity can be traced to the United Nations, who states:

"Capitalist systems"deify production and consumption at the experience of balanced long-term growth twords Social Justice.

"Social Justice requires strong and coherent redistributive policies."

Societies and political regimes have not achieved and maintained balance between individual freedom and Social Justice.

The broad UN definition of equality related to the tradition of the social contract aspect of Social Justice, as understood within socialist and socialist democratic conversations.

Expand full comment
May 17, 2023Liked by Eddie Waldrep, PhD, MSCP

I don’t see a reference to “structuring of opportunity” in the definition of racism linked to in the article. The entire text of the entry:

“Racism is a form of prejudice that assumes that the members of racial categories have distinctive characteristics and that these differences result in some racial groups being inferior to others. Racism generally includes negative emotional reactions to members of the group, acceptance of negative stereotypes, and racial discrimination against individuals; in some cases it leads to violence.

Discrimination refers to the differential treatment of the members of different ethnic, religious, national, or other groups. Discrimination is usually the behavioral manifestation of prejudice and therefore involves negative, hostile, and injurious treatment of members of rejected groups.”

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for letting me know. It looks like they updated the definition since I started writing the essay. This link shows the definition that was operating at the time. https://onscienceandacademia.org/t/apa-defines-racism-joins-the-csj-movement/1545

Expand full comment
May 17, 2023Liked by Eddie Waldrep, PhD, MSCP

The change (back?) is interesting. I wonder if it was announced. Is this a sign of retreat from the maximalist “woke” position, which is so clearly at odds with our ethical codes which honour individuality above group identities?

Expand full comment
author

I hope it is a good sign. I think there has been a lot of zeal to work in favor of minority or under-served groups that some did not recognize the ideology or implications. The previous definition was so clearly influenced by cultural Marxism and radical political ideology that it probably had to be changed. I think more people will snap out of the spell, so to speak, with more awareness!

Expand full comment

I think that many psychologists never fell under the spell, but neither were they willing to endure to wrath of the energetic young activist cadre by speaking out. I confirmed as much with an elder colleague in conversation today. The response to even minor “dissent” on our association listerv is so aggressive and unpleasant that people prefer to just ignore it. Shortsighted imo.

Expand full comment
May 16, 2023·edited May 16, 2023Liked by Eddie Waldrep, PhD, MSCP

Psychology isn't the only field that has been hijacked by Critical Theory.

The School of Social Work at Portland State University, where I am a post-baccalaureate student, recently advertised an upcoming "Bachelor of Social Work Info Session" in the following terms:

"Ready to serve your community and work toward social change? Take the first step and learn more at our next BSW program information session!" https://twitter.com/pdxssw/status/1655981470362501122

At Portland State, it's a given that anyone entering the field of social work does so in order to effect social change. This mirrors the International Federation of Social Worker's activist mission statement:

"Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities, and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance well-being." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_work

—International Federation of Social Workers

Launder the Critical Theory from the International Federation's text and you get the British Association of Social Workers' pro-human approach:

"Social workers work with individuals and families to help improve outcomes in their lives. This may be helping to protect vulnerable people from harm or abuse or supporting people to live independently. Social workers support people, act as advocates and direct people to the services they may require. Social workers often work in multi-disciplinary teams alongside health and education professionals." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_work

One wonders how long it will be before Critical-Theory activists capture the British Association of Social Workers and redirect them toward "[dismantling] western norms and practices centering individual human rights and liberties." https://fairforall.substack.com/p/the-anti-american-psychological-association

Expand full comment

Absolutely correct. CRT and all the Critical Social Justice stuff is just Marxism re-branded and its designed literally from the ground up to stoke resentment. Its a dangerous and ultimately murderous set of ideas, as bad as Nazi-ism. The APA should be both ashamed of itself, and also, be kicked to the curb. I have always been a supporter of Psychology, and have done therapy before, but today I would recommend that any troubled person seeking help avoid most supposed 'therapists'.

Expand full comment

Ironically, Lightfoot, your paranoid rantings convoluted delusions and adolescent naivety underscore just how badly you might need some form of therapy. If you're absolutely certain about your sweeping declarations, universal condemnations and myopic righteousness---personality traits that remind me of my own sophomoric 12 year old---I strongly suggest you take a deep breath and look at the nearest mirror. Maybe YOU are the one who's "as bad as Nazi-ism (SIC)."

Expand full comment
May 16, 2023Liked by Eddie Waldrep, PhD, MSCP

The idea that the APA is encouraging troubled people to develop an external locus of control, is backwards and literally insane.

Expand full comment

The actual point of psychotherapy is to teach people (and help people teach themselves) to take responsibility for their own thoughts and actions, and to be able to better regulate their emotions. Any new approach that the APA wants to try, by helping people to blame others or the external world (which is what they are doing) is totally counter-productive. Good luck with your rantings.

Expand full comment

Spencer - you have said nothing except that you hate Steven.

Expand full comment

Spencer you’ve offered nothing but an unfounded ad hominem attack on lightfoot with zero attempt to engage his assertions.

Expand full comment

How do we build a counter movement that will not be subverted by the MAGA insanity? Pinker and McWhorter are on target, but we need lager numbers in colleges and universities. My only optimism is that my gen Z kids seem to be moving rightward in larger numbers than the Millennials. But we have to nourish them to be more than just reactionaries simply opposed to the excesses and downright anti-liberal creepiness of the Millenials. If Gen Z goes MAGA it is game over and the war will be between fascists on the right v fascists on the left. Pray.

Expand full comment

MAGA insanity?

Look at the Durham report and wake up.

Expand full comment

OK leftist Stalinists vs Maga fascists. Reason is Reason party is not.

Expand full comment

If you think the GOP are fascists, you need help.

Expand full comment

Why would it be countered by the "MAGA insanity"? Maybe there should be a study on just what the MAGA believe or are for in the role psychology plays in the U.S. MAGA, as far as I understand the people in that group, simply want the Constitution applied in politics.

Expand full comment

This new way being pushed is exactly what keeps me from seeing a professional when I should. Some of the most needful groups of people will continue to commit suicide and resist help because of these views. It's dangerous, it's a warped way of seeing the world, and its goal is selfish and reprehensible. There's nothing about this thought process that isn't about the self. It's just choosing to denigrate all but a few selves.

Expand full comment
May 16, 2023·edited May 16, 2023

The United Nations may have saved thousands of lives. I can't speak on that topic. But I do know that they promote the socialist contract and condemn capitalism. They have complete control over all US education through UNESCO and the National Education Association and created the comprehensive sex education guidelines our children are subjected to. For this reason, I do not support the United Nations, nor it's Agenda 2030.

Expand full comment

They were always my trusted resource; now, they are the last place I would check for objective and well-researched truths. The APA regurgitates their source citations through a washing machine of like-minded wokes.

Expand full comment

Wafe, can you define "woke?" Or are you just singing the lyrics to the current #1 hit on The MAGA Moron/Fox "News"/Extremist Top 40, with no understanding of the lyrics? (Kinda like the preschooler mumbling along to the explict rap tune he hears when walking by the room of his teenage sibling.) Or are you honest enough to concede that for you and your resentful, angry ilk, "woke" means anything you dislike, fear or can't understand?

Expand full comment

What hole is in your heart, Thomas? Your desire to spew vile vitriol is contemptible. Find a hobby that isn’t accusing the character and motivations of people you’ve never met. Your comment comes across as vicious and resentful.

Expand full comment

Most Woke dolts are unable to understand the blinders of their own perceptions.

Expand full comment

Spencer, you're just a troll here to insult people. Typical of a vile Marxist.

Expand full comment

I am a clinical psychologist grateful that you wrote this. It was long past due. I found the APA egregious when it came out with it’s statement on toxic masculinity a few years ago. Seems they have only gotten worse. Donning whatever new idea is capturing the collective imagination of progressives and some others. It is true, I thin, that psychology has been a force opening us up to accept other people’s differences but APA has veered too far.

Expand full comment

APA is way off the rails. We cannot serve all of society effectively when the association pounds so hard on sectarian ideology. I’m Canadian so APA is entirely optional. I’ve opted out for years now.

Expand full comment

I am really interested in this article. I think it has some really important information. Unfortunately the complex language and difficult writing got the better of me. Can it be rewritten for the layman please.

Expand full comment

It would be great to hear your perspective on: 1. choosing a licensed psychologist if the majority of them are captured by this, and reality is will not EVER have access to your information, 2. the alarming increase in companies like BetterHelp that are full of licensed errrr... DEI indoctrinated "therapists" and social workers, that are encroaching on eroding the in person, professional office of a therapist. Thank you for your efforts.

Expand full comment