ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with an introduction to the foundational importance of culture from a hermeneutic perspective. An Amish saying and a Jewish concept are used to illustrate the idea that culture is embodied by humans. This leads to a brief critical discussion of psychology’s history and the value of alternative psychological practices that recognize the central importance of the sociopolitical realm. In order to imagine new clinical practices I draw upon hermeneutic concepts that valorize dialogic processes and community traditions. I suggest that the focus on intersecting traditions could facilitate building on extant understandings of the good within a community through dialogue, study, and an encounter with different ideas and traditions. From that might grow a program of social activism and outreach to other communities. In conclusion I propose a new kind of doctoral or postdoctoral internship program that would train students or new psychologists in hermeneutic concepts such as group process, critical historical study, hermeneutic dialogue, and moral discourse. Instead of a traditional clinical placement, interns would learn to work in a community setting to help community members explore their traditions within the context of current historical problems and develop social programs that would bring to life their traditional ideals in a new and challenging context.
