In this interview, which first appeared in the Spring 2004 issue of the Journal of Critical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling, David Smail talks to Paul Moloney about his views on people and their environments, together with reflections on psychotherapy, counselling and psychology.
Abstract:
For psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors, claims of professional expertise have led to an excessive focus on the workings of the client’s putative internal psychology. In doing so, we have failed to recognise the fundamental importance of the sufferer’s world in the origins of their problems. Only by swapping our focus on ‘insight’ for one on ‘outsight’ can we begin to develop an understanding of personal distress and of our own professional role that takes full account of the workings of power; and that faces up to the limitations of talking treatments.
Read full interview here: https://midpsy.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/david-smail-interview-2004-final-version-03-03-25.docx
Midlands Psychology Group 