Psychologist Advocates for Hebrew Language in Therapy, Rejects Modern Psychology Tenets

Dr. Shulem Baruch, who holds doctorates in social work and psychology, is challenging conventional psychological approaches by advocating for a therapy model rooted in Jewish tradition and Hebrew language. He argues that much of modern psychology's terminology and foundational assumptions are flawed and should be abandoned.

Baruch proposes replacing psychological terms with concepts from "Lashon Hakodesh" (the Holy Tongue, referring to Hebrew). For instance, he suggests reframing "anger" as "being hurt," "insecurity" as "lack of self-control," and "problem" as an "unfulfilled aspiration." He believes that focusing on these reframed concepts helps individuals identify their inner strengths rather than dwelling on perceived deficiencies.

He contends that terms like "compulsive" are part of a modern psychological lexicon he rejects. Instead, he focuses on an individual's ability to control themselves, suggesting that what is labeled as compulsive behavior is actually a lack of self-mastery. This lack of control, he explains, can manifest in various ways, from handwashing to violent behavior, all stemming from an inability to freely choose one's actions.

Baruch also challenges the modern therapeutic emphasis on happiness and calmness, stating that the Jewish imperative is to strive and accept burdens, not necessarily to be content. He explains that his academic background in psychology was primarily a means to obtain official state certification to practice, not an endorsement of its core principles. He famously stated he had to "abandon 80% of these things" from his studies.

When working with individuals, including those who are not religiously observant, Baruch emphasizes guiding them to discover their inherent strengths and make their own decisions, rather than imposing a specific outcome. He shared an anecdote about helping a woman who ultimately decided against an abortion, stressing that his role is to facilitate self-discovery aligned with divine will, not to dictate choices.