Mental Health: The Weekend Therapist

There are an increasing number of people titling themselves as therapists - psychoanalysts – counselors - therapy workers and so on that have no education or training in the science of actual psychotherapy. 

These people believe that since they are friendly, charming and personable that they can be therapists too.  There are several problems with this amongst which are the fact that since they are not regulated by any sort of oversight committee there is no responsibility or accountability.  They are the snake oil salesmen of the 21st century.

The mind is a fragile construct that fractures easily under biological and social pressures. 

The therapist’s role is to navigate through the broken pieces of the psyche and puzzle it back together so you can live a mentally happy life.  The weekend therapist does more harm than good - worse yet they pimp themselves out to whatever publicity comes along.  They fill their patients’ heads full of claptrap nonsense about dream analyses, super ego and other irrelevant and outdated theories dating back to an era where the idea that a mental illness could be just as damaging to a person than any physical wound was still in its infancy.

As with everything in life there are situations that fit the bill.  A continuous disturbing dream could be an indicator of personal problems and a proper therapist can help you explore, uncover and deal with these problems.  But a dream about bacon is a dream about bacon. 

Since it seems to be human nature to quit things when they don't see immediate results they are forever put off from seeking proper therapy. 

THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING isn't going to help a person clinically depressed.  

Here’s the thing, when a person is clinically depressed he lacks the motivation to actually inflict self harm or attempt suicide.  This is why a proper therapist would demand a follow up appointment once therapy has begun (usually within a few weeks).  They do this because when a person actually starts to feel better the motivation returns but he is still depressed so now he has the energy to actually inflict bodily harm.  Half of these “therapists” don't understand the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist.  This isn't vital for the average person to know of even care about but if you claim to be a therapist then you should at least know that.

SIDE NOTE:

**Psychiatrists are medical doctors that have gone on to specialize in psychiatry.  Since they are medical doctors they prescribe psychotherapeutic medication such as mood stabilizers, anti-depressants and so on. A psychiatrist will do psychotherapy but faster results can be obtained by prescribing and monitoring medication.  There are of course Psychiatrists that have taken it a step further and trained as a Psychoanalyst.  The nigh on unattainable rank in Psychiatry. 

Psychologists will mainly do psychotherapy (aka The Talking Cure) but will specialize in other areas such as child psychology, forensic psychology, clinical psychology, etc.  Psychology is also divided into two main branches which are RESEARCH and CLINICAL APPLICATION.  Psychologists are trained in both but will usually only practice one.**

Both these institutes requires years of dedicated study and diligent practice and is regulated, protected and responsible.  They place the welfare of the patient above all else.  The two support and complement each other working in tandem for the benefit of the patient. 

So be advised and be aware.