Does psychotherapy encourage self-absorption?

[vashti]

I don't think he needs therapy. I like him as is.

Now can we get back to the topic of this thread?

Therapy is for mush-heads.

[Yggdrasil]

Therapy is for mush-heads.

I don't know what you are thinking when you think therapy, but I have the impression that you may have some stereotypical image about some old guy with a grey beard sitting behind a desk, while you're laying on a couch and he's asking you questions about the time you fantasized having sex with your mother (or father for that matter).

[vashti]

No, that's not it. And forthe record, I am pretty familar with the concept of therapy. I even worked a semester in a psych ward during nursing school. They spent the entire day sending self-absorbed people from therapy session to therapy session. What a crock.

[Sonrisa]

ygg thinks that we are a bunch of 16 year olds who do nothing else but sit on this forum the whole day. not even considering the fact that some of us are grown women working in a medical field.

[Yggdrasil]

Couple therapy doesn't happen in a ward. It happens either in a private office or even at home.

The general idea is to have a mediator between the partners, because (for example) frequently, one partner is talking a lot, and the other one isn't really listening or understanding what's being said.

Or one partner is simply blocking out the other. That's called an bad or unhealthy habbit (communication breakdown or lack of communication). Purpose of the counselor, or mediator is to point out the unhealthy habbit and to provide suggestions on how to turn it into a healthy habbit.

It has nothing to do with medication or psychiatry.

[Yggdrasil]

ygg thinks that we are a bunch of 16 year olds who do nothing else but sit on this forum the whole day. not even considering the fact that some of us are grown women working in a medical field.

You're a mindreader? Actualy I thought you were 14.

[nomas]

I've got a couple of friends who say they need to /want to go to a therapist and I always tell them they don't need such a thing. I think simply talking to people is therapy enough for most of these "normal" people Vishnu referst to.

Furthermore, posting in a forum like this where you'll get plenty of good advice from intelligent people, I think, is one of the best kept secrets of self-therapy.

[Yggdrasil]

Furthermore, posting in a forum like this where you'll get plenty of good advice from intelligent people, I think, is one of the best kept secrets of self-therapy.

This I agree with.

[Sonrisa]

i am glad that ygg has joined this forum and now will enlighten on us on therapy, medication and psychiatry. as if we are not able to google any of that ourselves.

[Yggdrasil]

i am glad that ygg has joined this forum and now will enlighten on us on therapy, medication and psychiatry. as if we are not able to google any of that ourselves.

Feel free to do so. It may be educational. Then again, it may not.

[Sonrisa]

ygg really reminds me of Lite, only Lite has always used his own words to get his point across.

[Yggdrasil]

ygg really reminds me of Lite, only Lite has always used his own words to get his point across.

I don't know Lite, but I know that if I would still be 18 or so I probably would enjoy this more than now.

I guess with age you become a tad more serious and I seriously can't bring myself to the point where I am going to call someone names or talk down to someone or so.. I think I outgrew that stage a long time ago.

So I am just going to continue trying to give as good as possible constructive advice as where I think it's needed and if you can't handle that or disagree with it.. no sweat of my ass. Feel free to agree to disagree.

[Yggdrasil]

Ygg is even more amusing in this thread than ever.

If she starts shortening her posts to post size instead of novel size, she might hit #1 on my "Tool of the Year" chart.

Currently, it's Doppel.

You my darling, need to learn the difference between these symbols:



or I will be calling you sweetheart till you catch on.

[lesa]

I've got a couple of friends who say they need to /want to go to a therapist and I always tell them they don't need such a thing. I think simply talking to people is therapy enough for most of these "normal" people Vishnu referst to.

Furthermore, posting in a forum like this where you'll get plenty of good advice from intelligent people, I think, is one of the best kept secrets of self-therapy.

I concur.

[IndiReloaded]

I agree with Vash. Everything else has pretty much been said already.

Counselling is of limited value, in my experience. Its good for those who need some accountability for progress & goal setting, or perhaps a neutral forum (for couples) but that's about it. Otherwise, its nothing but info some wise & experienced friends or family can give. I would encourage cultivating those types of relationships above relying on counsellors.

The PhDs & other letters behind the name were not a selling feature for us, as we know exactly what value the degree(s) have.

Honestly, I've gotten as good or better advice from a select few individuals currently posting here that I would have preferred writing the cheques to. Or at least bought them beer. Which I will do, when I get the chance.