Lawrence Stevens J.D.
Mr. Stevens has made a claim on his website (1) that psychotherapy is money not spent in the correct place. He says "It has been said, "Therapists are expensive friends." Likewise, friends are inexpensive "therapists". Contrary to popular belief, and contrary to propaganda by mental health professionals, the training of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals does little or nothing to make them better equipped as counselors or "therapists". It might seem logical for formal credentials like a Ph.D. in psychology or a social worker's M.S.W. degree to suggest a certain amount of competence on his or her part. The truth, however, is more often the opposite. Generally, the best person for you to talk with is a person who has worked himself or herself through the same problems you face in the nitty-gritty of life. You usually will benefit if you avoid the "professionals" who claim their value comes from their years of academic study or professional training." I disagree on his point because I have lived this; sure, telling a family member or close friend your problems might help but only a licensed professional can give you the mental tools and tricks to cope with whatever is ailing you. A family member or friend may not necessarily know how to do this.
Mr. Stevens has made a claim on his website (1) that psychotherapy is money not spent in the correct place. He says "It has been said, "Therapists are expensive friends." Likewise, friends are inexpensive "therapists". Contrary to popular belief, and contrary to propaganda by mental health professionals, the training of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals does little or nothing to make them better equipped as counselors or "therapists". It might seem logical for formal credentials like a Ph.D. in psychology or a social worker's M.S.W. degree to suggest a certain amount of competence on his or her part. The truth, however, is more often the opposite. Generally, the best person for you to talk with is a person who has worked himself or herself through the same problems you face in the nitty-gritty of life. You usually will benefit if you avoid the "professionals" who claim their value comes from their years of academic study or professional training." I disagree on his point because I have lived this; sure, telling a family member or close friend your problems might help but only a licensed professional can give you the mental tools and tricks to cope with whatever is ailing you. A family member or friend may not necessarily know how to do this.
Pages Used:
1. http://www.antipsychiatry.org/psychoth.htm
1. http://www.antipsychiatry.org/psychoth.htm