Posted by morganator on November 24, 2009, at 15:05:35
In reply to Re: No benefit to adding psychotherapy to medicati » morganator, posted by Iansf on November 24, 2009, at 12:47:17
I still think people are afraid to deal with their demons. It is so much easier to say that most of the reason for their problems are biological. I think in most cases it is half. The other half is nurture and resulting low self esteem, inability to form and maintain positive relationships, etc. Why is it that even psychiatrists are admitting to this???
I believe in medication and I think it is necessary for the survival of many sufferers. Medication should be used to alleviate pain and allow sufferers to progress further. Why wouldn't therapy be the next step? What about group therapy? Have you all tried it? The problem is that it is very hard to find a really good therapist and good group therapy. I don't even think that most are aware of group therapy and the benefits of it. Then there is EMDR, CBT, and other forms of therapy. Why wouldn't we be willing to give them a try? Medication will only take us so far.
I don't think therapists are blaming patients for not working hard enough. If you have had a therapist do this that is unfortunate. A good therapist is genuinely devoted to working as hard as they can to help you get better.
I do believe that in order for therapy to be successful for people suffering from major disorders medication is necessary.
To Scott, I think if you researched enough you would find that there are some very very intelligent people out there with Phd's that believe nurture often plays a major role in the development of disorders such as major depressive and bipolar disorder. You agreed with me when I brought up schizophrenia and it's development. Why would bipolar and major depressive disorder be any different? The trend amongst both psychiatrists and psychologist is moving more and more towards the belief that the majority of psychological disorders develop as a result of 50 percent nurture and 50 percent nature. I admit this might change in the future. I also realize that there are many doctors and psychiatrists that believe our biology is what contributes most to our suffering.
Therapy should also be used as a means to gain tools for survival. It can help us love ourselves more and learn to form and maintain better relationships. We cannot deny that relationships whether they are family, friends or romantic, are essential to having a full and happy life. I think group therapy is where it's at. The problem is that there is not enough good therapists and enough therapy groups being conducted by good therapists. And, we do have to do the hard work, some of us have it in us and some of us don't. If you don't have a good therapist that is engaging, empathetic, compassionate, interactive, and positive-and you aren't doing the hard work on your own time in between sessions, therapy will never get you anywhere.
Medication + Therapy(maybe years, group, EMDR, CBT, etc.) = best chance of happiness.
A really good support system is also crucial to getting better. This is another reason why many of us continue to suffer.
poster:morganator
thread:926342
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091117/msgs/926842.html