ABSTRACT
The development of counselling and psychotherapy practice over the last fifty years has had a substantial effect, not only within the field of mental health, but also far more broadly in areas such as education, social provision, business and politics. With such wide-ranging impact, it is the duty of those engaged in the psychological professions to reflect on this influence, and on the implicit and explicit value systems that are being communicated. This chapter addresses questions raised by this expansion of interest, reflecting on the effects of recent changes within the psychological professions, on shifting power dynamics of the therapeutic field and, in particular, on the impact of Buddhist models, mindfulness teaching. The impact of this changing culture of personal responsibility is also seen in our relationship to authority. The hard-nosed pragmatism of 'austerity' has created a vogue for outcome-focused approaches and the focus on economics has given weight to therapies that are seen as demonstrably evidence-based and cost-effective.
