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John T. Maier Ph.D.

About

John T. Maier, Ph.D., MSW, received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Princeton and his MSW from Simmons University. His most recent book is The Disabled Will: A Theory of Addiction (Routledge, 2024). He is a psychotherapist in private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Books by John T. Maier Ph.D.
Recent Posts
Language and the Pragmatics of Therapy
The philosopher H.P. Grice outlined a set of "maxims" for understanding human conversation. But the use of language in therapy appears to flout each one of these maxims.
Emotional Labor in Psychotherapy
A major study of the work of flight attendants has implications for our understanding of psychotherapy, as both attendants and therapists practice emotional labor.
The Limits of Boundaries
The language of "boundaries" is everywhere in therapy today. But we should not mistake a device that is useful for some people for a framework that applies to everyone.
What Is Acedia? How a Medieval Stigma Remains With Us Today

The medieval sin of acedia or sloth, like the contemporary symptom of avolition, is typically seen as bad. But this is not always necessarily so.

The medieval sin of acedia or sloth, like the contemporary symptom of avolition, is typically seen as bad. But this is not always necessarily so.

William James on Crisis and Rebirth

An "identity crisis" is now part of our standard ways of thinking about human development. But this idea originates in describing a much more profound kind of transformation.

An "identity crisis" is now part of our standard ways of thinking about human development. But this idea originates in describing a much more profound kind of transformation.

Are We Living in a Burnout Society?

Many people today are experiencing burnout. This piece explores the origins of this metaphor and philosophical interpretations of the meaning of burnout in today's society.

Many people today are experiencing burnout. This piece explores the origins of this metaphor and philosophical interpretations of the meaning of burnout in today's society.

The Literature of Neurotransmission

Michel Houellebecq's "Serotonin" is a portrait of depression and isolation that is a useful read for those who want to understand these conditions better.

Michel Houellebecq's "Serotonin" is a portrait of depression and isolation that is a useful read for those who want to understand these conditions better.

Medicalization and the Philosophy of Addiction

Medical interventions for addiction have been life-saving, yet we should be wary of the "medicalization" of addiction.

Medical interventions for addiction have been life-saving, yet we should be wary of the "medicalization" of addiction.

Who Is "High-Functioning"?

The term "high-functioning" is a common one, but it does not actually describe a psychiatric diagnosis. It is worth thinking about why this term has become popular.

The term "high-functioning" is a common one, but it does not actually describe a psychiatric diagnosis. It is worth thinking about why this term has become popular.