Posted by Hermitian on February 17, 2008, at 17:50:27
In reply to Welcome to Babble » Hermitian, posted by Dinah on February 17, 2008, at 15:26:28
Dinah,
Thanks for the response. I suppose there are a lot of techniques for a lot of things. However the only ones that matter are the ones that work. Forget about your specific history for a moment. But after several years or more, what new insights is a patient supposed to realize from his/her therapist? A sympathetic ear at 200 bucks an hour would only make sense if there was no implied objective of getting the patient healthy and socialized enough to form friendships and reconnect with family so that they can have the same deep dialogs with them for free. And the friends/family members ear is authentically committed beyond a consultation fee. If there is no at least implied objective then the therapist is either taking advantage of the patient and/or hes lousy at his job.
Let me ask you this. How would you define success in a therapeutic context? Im serious. Is a therapist who does not consider the whole person in the context of their psychological health remiss? The psychological benefits of exercise and human engagement are well documented. Is the therapist who does not explore the complete range of activities with a patient to help them reintegrate themselves fully into their communities acting in the patients best interest? Is the therapist who does not work with the patient to establish tangible goals and objectives being professionally responsible? A sympathetic ear and hugs for years on end is a valid treatment pathway?
From the patients point of view perhaps. But they may not know any better. They may have this warm, supportive security blanket, but think about everything else they are missing. Why take a chance on emotional intimacy or invest in productive affirming activities when you can plop down two bucks a week for a visit to a therapist as a substitute? Youd think a therapist with any integrity would sit down with the patient on the front end and explain that its his job to make the patient not need him anymore. Erthat is his job isnt it?
Man, I dont get it. But what the heck, it aint my money
poster:Hermitian
thread:813285
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080210/msgs/813312.html