Modern Psychology: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Modern psychology is experiencing heated debates, where passionate disputes over the preservation of traditional values intertwine with the enthusiasm for innovative development. Originally emerging as an attempt to understand the human soul, many critics now argue that the industrialization of consciousness has shifted the focus from a profound study of the human being to the synthesis of a range of foreign concepts. In this context, the wave of transpersonal psychology represents a symbol of change, where the ambitious quest for novelty is sometimes burdened by a loss of soulful content, causing concern among supporters of traditional approaches. At the same time, the integration of Western schools into domestic practice stimulates a reassessment of established methods, raising the question of how rationally attention is distributed between the heritage of the past and the search for new horizons. Critical evaluations that consider modern knowledge to be pessimistic and even bitter serve not so much as an accusation as a challenge for further development. After all, it is precisely through the clash of ideas that fresh approaches are born, capable of enriching psychotherapy and the study of human consciousness. Thus, contemporary discussions become a source of energy and innovation, aimed at creating a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity in the field of psychology.
Can we claim that modern psychology has lost its value and turned into a meaningless collection of concepts?
The presented quotes express rather strong criticism of the current state of psychology, yet to unequivocally assert that it has lost its value and become a meaningless assemblage of concepts can only be done with a certain degree of contention.

For example, one source ( link ) notes:
"Currently, a fourth 'wave' is gaining strength in psychology. This is the so-called transpersonal psychology... From the above, one can conclude that the theory is as good as the practice, that is, modern psychotherapy. One of the authors of the British Encyclopedia in the 70s wrote: 'Poor, poor psychology, first it lost its soul, then its psyche, then its consciousness, and now it is anxious about behavior.'"
This quote demonstrates that some opinions hold modern psychology has lost those internal qualities that once bestowed it with unique value.

Another source ( link ) emphasizes the influence of Western schools on domestic practice, noting that "the aforementioned psychological schools developed in the countries of Western Europe, but are now actively migrating to Russia and the entire post-Soviet space, captivating the minds of local psychologists and psychotherapists." This indicates that the adoption of concepts considered controversial by some has led to a reexamination of traditional approaches. Here, one can see confirmation of the critique: the loss of traditional values leads to the emergence of a new set of concepts that do not always have a positive impact.

The third source ( link ) describes contemporary psychological knowledge as "bitter and pessimistic," pointing out that fields like psychoanalysis focus on studying the negative aspects of human existence. According to the author, this shift in worldview signifies the end of the era of "intellectualist conscious psychology," which can also be interpreted as the loss of fundamental principles.

Thus, the presented quotes confirm that there is a critical perspective on modern psychology based on observations of its practice and theoretical development. On one hand, critics argue that the loss of "soul" and the shift toward pessimistic concepts undermine its value. On the other hand, such judgments reflect criticisms of specific directions, while many aspects of modern psychology continue to evolve and contribute to the understanding of humanity.

Supporting citation(s):
"Currently, a fourth 'wave' is gaining strength in psychology. This is the so-called transpersonal psychology... One of the authors of the British Encyclopedia in the 70s wrote: 'Poor, poor psychology, first it lost its soul, then its psyche, then its consciousness, and now it is anxious about behavior.'" (source: link )

"From the above, one can conclude that the theory is as good as the practice, that is, modern psychotherapy. One of the authors of the British Encyclopedia in the 70s wrote... The aforementioned psychological schools developed in the countries of Western Europe, but are now actively migrating to Russia..." (source: link )

"Modern psychological knowledge is bitter and pessimistic, and it is no accident that Freud turned to the metaphysics of death... The era of intellectualist conscious psychology has ended..." (source: link )

These opinions provide a basis for discussing the issue; however, the final judgment on the value of modern psychology depends on which aspects and directions of the science are analyzed.