Posted by shar on May 6, 2003, at 23:40:49
In reply to Peter Breggin is a legend!...on some points, posted by ace on May 4, 2003, at 22:02:12
>It is vile to pay money to another to tell you how to live. We should get help, support from friends and family about those normal ups and downs of life.
>......The fly in the ointment here is that (well, make that several flies)
(a) not everybody has developed normal life skills due to a myriad of reasons, especially family of origin problems,
(b) not everybody has friends and family that will offer support, or that can offer the appropriate kind of support if an emotional problem exists,
(c) not everybody is experiencing 'normal ups and downs' (whatever those are), some people experience extreme lows for extended periods (even with meds), or ups that take the top of the house along, and
(d) many people need good information from reliable sources to help them *develop* their own potential (which is different than being told how to live)..........So, for those reasons alone, psychotherapy can be extremely helpful, even while someone is taking meds. Of course, it is not for everyone, just as meds are not for everyone. I've never had formal psychiatric treatment (which I associate more with analysis), so I can't say much about that.
........I have been in counseling, still am, it is most helpful in bridging the gap between what I had to become to survive in my family, and what I can become now that I am no longer living at the mercy of people who harm me. A good therapist helps me do a lot of UNlearning, as well as learning new things, expanding my horizons, and helping me put things on my menu (if you will) that I never dreamed existed. I see my therapist as a partner, not a dictator.
.......I am NOT trying to change anyone's opinion, and don't care if people believe psychotherapy or therapy of any kind is a waste of time. That is their business, not mine. Just wanted to chime in with another perspective.
.........I do have some trouble with the ethics of mental health professionals dissing each other as a group. "Shrinks are useless" or "pdocs are useless" seems like a pretty limited viewpoint, and might deprive a client of something that could be valuable in their recovery. In each group, there are people who are dishonorable, unethical, unskilled, not knowledgeable, don't care, etc. It isn't limited to one group or the other. I've known good and bad in both professions.
> All the above is only my opinion. If you disagree tell me I smell, need to wash my hair, and have lovely teeth but need to be cleaned more often!
>
..........lol, nice to end things with a smile!Peace,
Shar
poster:shar
thread:224350
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030505/msgs/224773.html