Isn’t Psychotherapy for People Who are Weak or Crazy?
Vlog Summary: Think about all the different consultants in our society. There are financial planners, lawyers, doctors, nutritionists, personal trainers, interior decorators, and so on. Going to see a psychotherapist for support and guidance in dealing with emotional or interpersonal issues is not much different than going to see one of these consultants for help in another area of your life. Psychotherapy is like getting a consultation for your life.
Many, if not most, good therapists themselves have gone through therapy and many do recommend returning to therapy on a regular basis, in much the same way that one may consult with a financial planner or doctor periodically. In general, the people we see in therapy are doing well with most parts of their lives. They may come to therapy to work on a specific issue, to develop a clearer understanding of their lives, or to find alternative strategies for coping with an ongoing problem. Far from being weak or crazy, they are people who have a great desire to live and love to the fullest. And they have the courage to look for more in life.
To cite: McCullough, C. (2008). Isn’t Psychotherapy for People Who are Weak or Crazy? ASC on the Couch. Retrieved (date retrieved), from http://www.ascdeaf.com/blog/?p=346.
Posted by ASCDEAF under Counseling,Videos on | Comments (6)
November 12th, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Great entry. In my book the crazy ones are those who consult anyone who don’t know how to maintain confidentiality, and even worse in dealing with the aforementioned negligence, not seeing one of the so few honest attorneys in seeking a resolution about the “confidentiality clause” if you get my drift here.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:14 PM
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November 13th, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Some people also consult a counselor not about themselves but about their parents, co-workers, and friends whom they have a desire to understand much better or to improve a relationship with. One may ask: “Why has my father been cold to me since I was a boy? He has avoided communication with me. Very unapproachable. Is it a form of jealousy or of rivalry because I am handsomer and much more privileged than he is? Besides, I won a scholarship for college and hold an excellent job that he lacks thereof? God help me understand my father!” Through the counseling sessions would he come to having a better understanding about his father and having a better relationship with him thereafter. That is something that he would not ask his mother or sibling(s) but a counselor (psychotherapist).
November 14th, 2008 at 12:22 PM
I think more psychiatrists should undertake therapy. They peddle paranoia…. for all America’s obsession with ‘talking things through’ they are no more stable a society than any other…. because clearly they have an inability to listen. I’ve been crackers for years, embrace it….
November 18th, 2008 at 8:51 AM
Hello,
I enjoyed this vlog very much and as a professional and a private person, I’ve struggled with the same issues that were mentioned in both Candy and Teri’s vlogs/comments. We have to take into balance the nature of our needs and wants. Of course, family, best friends and spouses-partners play a key role in our support/network b u t one thing, they are not always neutral and objective. Often, bias comes with a price! Do we want people worried about our problems while they should be worrying about THEIRS?!
The counselor/therapist takes up a role as a neutral and caring bipartisan helper and often brings up very good insights and undertakings that promote great mental health, stability and overall excellent feelings of wellbeing. Furthermore, it gives one the space to exercise the nature of trust, examining values in current relationships and work out the kinks in the relationships that do not justice or fairness. It amazes me to see how people are actually stuck for years and years and to witness toxicity or repetitive patterns in their personal being or profile is very sad and disconcerting.
Unfortunately, the negative stigma of mental health psychotherapy lingers and for today’s abundance society, there are choices now more than ever. Noone needs to know who is seeing a therapist, a specialist, or energywork or practitioner. Individuals have rights to privacy and in a small town network like ours, the grapevine travels wide and far. In some cases, its best to say nothing. “Silence is golden.” Otherwise– homework in building boundaries or respect for others’ privacy is an omnipotent exercise for those who seek to hear about people’s problems and spread it far and wide have serious issues. These problems should have kept in the heart a very selective few. For example, if you care about Joe having a extramatrial relationship with Mary and it bothers you–perhaps one has to take a stand to talk to the individuals directly as opposed to gossiping about it.
Thank you for bringing up a touchy topic once again. Talk about safety and taking risks–you did it again!
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Thanks for your comments.
Robert – Confidentiality issues are definitely a sensitive spot for many Deaf people, with good reason. You’re right about this applying not only to therapists, but also to attorneys…and I would add, financial planners, teachers, etc.
Jean – That’s a good example of one situation that might lead someone to want to talk with a therapist.
MM – It’d be nice if everyone had a chance to try therapy – we can always learn and grow, no matter what field we are in or how stable we might be.
Teri and Sb – Glad you enjoyed the vlog. Agreed, there are many valid reasons for relying on our family and friends for support, and also for turning to a therapist. Each option comes with its own pros and cons. In the Deaf community, we have seen an amazing de-stigmatization of therapy over the past two decades. It is good to know that people feel more comfortable – and entitled – to seek support and another point of view from therapists.