Posted by mandinka on November 3, 2004, at 17:17:49
In reply to Psychologists in US, is it true that..., posted by Crazy_Charlie on November 3, 2004, at 14:30:55
Okay, here's my totally layperson take on the issue. It is not a degree that makes a therapist! To be a good therapist you first and foremost have to be a good, empathic and as free from neurosis person as possible. This means that you should get a lot of therapy yourself! The best therapists are the ones who truly know themselves and through this knowledge can connect to their clients. So - years of GOOD therapy, preferably with several therapists, so different aspects of you will emerge and different approaches are experienced first-hand. Only after that, theory is important and third but certainly not least - practice, practice, practice under supervion.
A person with a degree but litte true (that means NOT simply intellectual) understanding of themselves is very dangerous. A degree gives you only intellectual understanding of your issues and an illussion of control over them. Many sick people know exactly what is wrong with them on an intellectual level but that doesn't make them one bit healthier.
After that I think a therapist should be always under supervision and in more or less frequent therapy. The process of learning about yourself never ends.
poster:mandinka
thread:411163
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20041026/msgs/411246.html