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I know it doesn't make any sense. I can't help it.
My Psychic Therapist and Other Myths
By Dr. Suzanne LaCombe, April 2006.
The truth of the matter is that we all approach counseling with the desire to know ourselves, but with a fear of what we might find. This ambivalence shows up in our cultural myths about psychotherapy.
In the following article I refer to what "good counseling" or a "good therapist" potentially offers. I don't have a quick definition of what constitutes "good counseling" and a "good therapist" but I will share with you some ideas from clinical practice and neuroscience to help you find this for yourself.
When I speak of 'change' I am referring to embodied change that occurs in the secure relationship with a therapist. I am not referring to mere symptom reduction, although that is certainly a necessary part of good counseling.
As I have mentioned previously on this site, all information is subject to upgrading or revision. I invite you to share your opinion, comments, and questions. I can't promise to respond personally to all of them but I will post those that are representative. Look to the bottom of the list for the 'Post A Comment'.
Or, choose from the following:
- Therapists can read your mind.
- Counseling is not very scientific.
- Therapists have psychic powers and can make me do anything.
- This is going to take forever.
- I already know what I should be doing to stay healthy. I don't need a therapist to tell me.
- I don't need approval from a shrink.
- I might find something awful about myself.
- I might learn how screwed up I am.
- It's the therapist's job to prod you into changing your behaviour.
- I don't feel ready for change.
- Counseling is for losers.
- My problems aren't heavy enough for counseling.
- Counseling is NOT the only way.
