Curious about Psychological Health Professionals Seeking Treatment

[Psipi140]

Hello,

I am not a psychological health professional yet but I would imagine that there might be stigma associated to psychological health professionals seeking professional help for interpersonal/emotional issues.

Given the emotional toll that I imagine psychological health professionals must endure from time to time, it seems reasonable to think that the care-providers sometimes need care.

I've heard burnout is common and the stigma of seeking professional help as a care-provider could be part of it (if there is a stigma)? Also, if it is an issue what effects might it have on professional reputation?

Personally, I even think the word "treatment" carries connotations. Support seems like a softer term.

I won't say much more given that my perspective is somewhat distant but am wondering about others' thoughts on the issue (if it is an issue).

Sincerely,

Psipi140

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[haRtwin]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16351423

http://www.amazon.com/The-Psychotherapists-Own-Psychotherapy-Perspectives/dp/0195133943

 

[erg923]

Hello,

I am not a psychological health professional yet but I would imagine that there might be stigma associated to psychological health professionals seeking professional help for interpersonal/emotional issues.

Given the emotional toll that I imagine psychological health professionals must endure from time to time, it seems reasonable to think that the care-providers sometimes need care.

I've heard burnout is common and the stigma of seeking professional help as a care-provider could be part of it (if there is a stigma)? Also, if it is an issue what effects might it have on professional reputation?

Personally, I even think the word "treatment" carries connotations. Support seems like a softer term.

I won't say much more given that my perspective is somewhat distant but am wondering about others' thoughts on the issue (if it is an issue).

Sincerely,

Psipi140

I do not see any widespread stigmatization of seeking/engaging in MH services by other MH professionals. I DO see a bias from this profession that if you are having problems, you MUST address them with a MH professional (preferably a psychologist) ands that, if you dont, you are in denial or are some kind of walking time bomb. People deal in all kinds of ways. I found dealing with stress and mild family of origin issues via friends and occasional chat with a an old Priest fom high school to be sufficient for me.

 

[smalltownpsych]

The line about an old priest makes me think of The Exorcist.

I utilize non-professional sources for my own self-care, as well. I don't know that I have experienced any pressure or bias to use paid professional help. I have seen that bias applied towards my patients though. For a variety of reasons, non-professional supports might be predictive of higher functioning. Anybody familiar with any research on that? I know some in the field of addictions that points to that. Basically, what I am saying is that it appears that enlisting additional supports for my patients is part of what I try to do and it makes sense to me, but much of the field seems to work against that and often appears to encourage dependency on professional services. Also, my observations lead me to believe that this attitude is more common in other mental health providers than in psychologists.

 

[PsychBiker]

I think it's unethical for a active Psychologist to see patients without having dealt with their issues - and we all have issues. So, in the end, I look highly upon health care professionals who seek mental health care.

 

[erg923]

I think it's unethical for a active Psychologist to see patients without having dealt with their issues - and we all have issues. So, in the end, I look highly upon health care professionals who seek mental health care.

1. And what code does that violate?

2. Where exactly does that logic end? Or conversely, how far does that logic extend?
Do I need to hallucinate to truly understand and treat schizophrenia? Think i should take some Haldol to experience some EPS? Do I need to have had DTs to work a detox unit?

 

[WisNeuro]

And what code does that violate?

2.06 I believe. But it only pertains if those issues affect their work with others and work-related duties.

 

[erg923]

2.06 I believe. But it only pertains if those issues affect their work with others and work-related duties.

Im sorry, I think i missunderstood the post. Thinking they were implying its "unethical to see patients if one hasnt been in therapy", a la Freud...

 

[WisNeuro]

Im sorry, I think i missunderstood the post. Thinking they were implying its "unethical to see patients if one hasnt been in therapy", a la Freud...

Oh, yeah, that supposition is ridiculous. However, if you can't leave your drama at home, you need to get that **** figured out before dealing with patients.

 

[smalltownpsych]

I thought that was the implication, as well. It would seem to me that psychotherapy is only one way of figuring that **** out. part of my treatment for patients is to help them find some of the other ways to take care of **** so shouldn't I be able to, as well? If I get stuck, then I might have to pay for some more help. In the meantime, there are a lot of healthy ways to meet self-care needs other than psychotherapy.

 

[erg923]

I thought that was the implication, as well. It would seem to me that psychotherapy is only one way of figuring that **** out. part of my treatment for patients is to help them find some of the other ways to take care of **** so shouldn't I be able to, as well? If I get stuck, then I might have to pay for some more help. In the meantime, there are a lot of healthy ways to meet self-care needs other than psychotherapy.

The view that "everyone has issues" is also one I find promulgated often in the MH community, likely as a way to destigmatize. But, as is common, I think the pendulum has swung too far and we are buying too much into our own hype.

Believe it or not, some people actually do not have any "issues" that interfere with our ability to live happy, fulfilling lives. So, the notion that we all have issues that we must address" strikes means nothing more than histrionics that lines our pockets with money. 🙂

 

[WisNeuro]

Do we all have issues? Sure. Do we all have issues that significantly affect our occupational or social functioning? No. If I developed problems that started to significantly impact those areas, sure, I'd seek out some mental health treatment. But, things are, and have been, going pretty well, so no need. I think the notion that all psychologists "need" to experience therapy to deliver it is an antiquated concept with no real empirical backing. It was just a "way things were done" that some people want to hold onto for some reason.

 

[smalltownpsych]

The view that "everyone has issues" is also one I find promulgated often in the MH community, likely as a way to destigmatize. But, as is common, I think the pendulum has swung too far and we are buying too much into our own hype.

Believe it or not, some people actually do not have any "issues" that interfere with our ability to live happy, fulfilling lives. So, the notion that we all have issues that we must address" strikes means nothing more than histrionics that lines our pockets with money. 🙂

The clients with happy fulfilling lives are the ones who can pay though. Seriously, I do get a few patients who are highly functional, but maybe life has thrown them a curve that they are struggling with and helping them access their own resources is part of what we do. I have also worked with a few mental health professionals and they tend to fit that same bill. I don't think I really buy into the ongoing therapy model and can think of several reasons why it could be unhealthy. It might be a different story for someone with a severe chronic mental illness that needs continued support, but some evidnce contradicts that, as well.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

As I tell my pts….psychotherapy can help almost everyone (if given a proper opportunity and fit). I don't personally see anyone, though I keep regular appointments with the gym and the beach as my current outlets. If my current approach to stress relief becomes less effective I think seeing someone is not only a good idea but essential for personal and professional reasons.

 

[smalltownpsych]

I got to experience some therapy in grad school role plays. I thought it was fairly useful. On one occasion, I was discussing my relationship with my father and what he said about me graduating from my Masters program, and the "therapist" ran from the room sobbing because they had some issues that were getting in the way of the task at hand. I also participated in group therapy and felt pretty comfortable being open about my life experiences. Some individuals appeared terrified to open up about anything personal and others gave too much information. I am fairly certain that one of the faculty had a talk or two with them about getting a little extra help with their "issues". I hate that word, it's so new agey, of course maybe that's just one of my own issues!

 

[AcronymAllergy]

To directly answer the question--if I felt I needed help from a mental health professional, I'd have no hesitation seeking it out. But as others in this thread have stated, I certainly don't feel that everyone needs mental health treatment. I personally have just been able to find other ways of coping with, and working through what life has thrown at me thus far, and it's worked out pretty well up to this point.

 

[Ollie123]

Generally agree with what others have said above. Wouldn't hesitate to seek help if/when I feel like I need it. Psychologists are a subsample of the broader population, so I'm sure some stigmatize it but my overall impression is that people are quite accepting and encouraging. My undergrad/grad/internship all really go out of their way to make sure folks are able to find services if they want them, have systems in place for folks to do so discretely if they prefer, etc. I've encountered the attitude erg has mentioned (i.e. everyone should be in therapy at all times) far more often than stigma, though I've seen no evidence to support it and it always struck me as absurd/inefficient anyways.

 

[PsychBiker]

Believe it or not, some people actually do not have any "issues" that interfere with our ability to live happy, fulfilling lives.

I would love to this give person a Rorschach. That test tells me everything; I bet I could find something wrong with them.

 

[smalltownpsych]

I would love to this give person a Rorschach. That test tells me everything; I bet I could find something wrong with them.

I hope this was meant as humorous. If not then its kind of scary.

 

[erg923]

I'm sure it was a joke.

 

[smalltownpsych]

I am still trying to figure out whether or not the dancing psychiatrist was kidding or not.

 

[PsychBiker]

I hope this was meant as humorous. If not then its kind of scary.

I think we all know that sarcasm is best accomplished in a non-verbal manner. On a side note, I just read an PhD applicant's admission essay who was addressing an another school by name - twice... someone is not getting an interview.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Attention to detail….kinda important.

Admittedly, if they were an otherwise strong app I'd overlook the snafu because that is a pretty picky reason to lose out on a potentially strong candidate.

ps. Rorschach….zing!

 

[psych84]

I have a friend who recently became a Psychologist and he's pretty sure he has Borderline Personality Disorder. In fact, he will be working with that population, and obv you can see where the interest to work with that population came from.

 

[smalltownpsych]

I have a friend who recently became a Psychologist and he's pretty sure he has Borderline Personality Disorder. In fact, he will be working with that population, and obv you can see where the interest to work with that population came from.

If the friend really meets 5 of the 9 diagnostic criteria, then that is pretty amazing that they could make it through this process. On the other hand, if they are like some of my patients and have received effective treatment and no longer meet the criteria, then should the label really apply?

 

[psych84]

If the friend really meets 5 of the 9 diagnostic criteria, then that is pretty amazing that they could make it through this process. On the other hand, if they are like some of my patients and have received effective treatment and no longer meet the criteria, then should the label really apply?

Yeah, I was surprised as well, and so was he. He struggled with a lot but somehow he got through it. In fact, he went to one of the best schools in Canada for his Phd and got a really got internship. He actually hasn't recieved any treatment for it.

 

[smalltownpsych]

Yeah, I was surprised as well, and so was he. He struggled with a lot but somehow he got through it. In fact, he went to one of the best schools in Canada for his Phd and got a really got internship. He actually hasn't recieved any treatment for it.

The other part aspect that I would foresee being a challenge is the interpersonal nature of psychotherapy. When I am in the room with someone, I am affected by their emotional experience, as well. I think it is crucial to be the more aware, sensitive, and regulated emotional party. Also, I will experience feelings of inadequacy, rejection, abandonment when working with clients and if I am utilizing more maladaptive defense mechanisms or coping strategies, that could be a recipe for disaster for both myself and the patient.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I have a friend who recently became a Psychologist and he's pretty sure he has Borderline Personality Disorder. In fact, he will be working with that population, and obv you can see where the interest to work with that population came from.

The bolded point is something to keep in mind and be cautious about. I could probably convince myself that I had half the disorders in the DSM if I thought about it enough, which is why it's so important to avoid self-"diagnosis." This is assuming your friend did as much rather than having been formally assessed, of course.

 

[Doctor Eliza]

The other part aspect that I would foresee being a challenge is the interpersonal nature of psychotherapy. When I am in the room with someone, I am affected by their emotional experience, as well. I think it is crucial to be the more aware, sensitive, and regulated emotional party. Also, I will experience feelings of inadequacy, rejection, abandonment when working with clients and if I am utilizing more maladaptive defense mechanisms or coping strategies, that could be a recipe for disaster for both myself and the patient.

That's why academia is full of borderline folks!

 

[Sendtrees]

I certainly don't think everyone needs to be in therapy--otherwise, how would I say goodbye so happily to my patients who have done what they came to do and are ready to go? But I'm a big fan of those who want or need it, getting it without undue fuss or bother. The more people in the field who are open about wanting, needing, and even enjoying therapy themselves, the easier it gets. So I say go for it!