Posted by Victoria on July 3, 1999, at 20:36:04
In reply to Re: New ? therapist , posted by jane on June 22, 1999, at 20:25:58
A psychiatrist is an MD who has done additional training (a residency) in psychiatry, which includes both physical/medication issues and areas of psychology, personality, etc. A psychoanalyst (many are MDs, but not all) has undergone lengthy additional training in the "psychological" area, from one or more theoretical perspectives (Freudian, Jungian, etc.), all of which focus on a deep understanding of the patient and of how to use the doctor-patient relationship as a therapeutic tool. Psrt of that training involves being analyzed themselves, as the doctor's self-awareness and self-knowledge is an important part of training and a therapuetic tool. That's not to say that psychiatrists can't be good therapists or that psychoanalysts necessarily are. But, as I've said, for me the combination of an MD who is both a psychiatrist and a pschyoanalyst has worked very well for me. There are books that outline different kinds of therapy (and explain the differences better than I can!). You might want to take a look at one to see which approach feels best to you. Good luck!
> > Here's my two cents again: It does sound now like you should explore making a change. After that amount of time, I think you should feel that your problems have improved in some way. My experience differs from Danny's and JohnL's. My psychiatrist is a very good therapist; to help ensure that he would be, I looked for someone with psychoanalytic training. I'm not in classical analysis, but it makes him a good therapist and I really like the fact that psychoanalysts must go through analysis as part of their training, so they know what it's like to be a patient. I would personally be very uncomfortable with a therapist who made me feel "high"; I'm more interested in someone who will listen to what I feel. But different strokes . . . And that's the point. You need to find a therapist who's a good fit with you. Perhaps you don't have to "quit" your current doc before you explore other options. You could find a few other names and set up appointments to meet them and discuss your situation and expectations, sort of like getting a "second opinion." Good luck!
> >
> Victoria--what is the difference between a psycharist and a psychoanalyst? What is "psychoanalytic training"? Thanks-jane
poster:Victoria
thread:7577
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990628/msgs/8224.html