Oakland University professor Dr. James Hansen discusses how the DSM-5 may be necessary for counselors to use, but it does not help people.  Instead, it inserts symptom-based reductionism into talk therapy, contradicts the helping relationship, and violates counselor identity.  Dr. Hansen explains the history of the DSM, and its adoption of descriptive psychiatry beginning with the DSM-III. 

Check out where he discusses more of these ideas in Meaning systems and mental health culture: Critical perspectives on contemporary counseling and psychotherapy.

For the mentioned Counseling Today article featuring Dr. Hansen, click here. 

For the mentioned two episodes from The Thoughtful Counselor podcast, click here and here.

For more from Dr. Hansen, visit sites.google.com/site/jamesthansenphd/.

Recommended APA citation example: Mazzone, J. T. & Switala, R. P. (Producers). (2021, January 04). Ep. 5: The dark side of the DSM - A special feature with Dr. James Hansen [Audio podcast episode]. In RENAR Voice. Rho Eta Nu Alpha Rho of Chi Sigma Iota, Liberty University.