NYT "My life in Therapy" article

[erg923]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/m...I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M161-ROS-0810-PH&WT.mc_ev=click

Thoughts?....Discuss?

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[cara susanna]

I didn't read it very closely, but it seems to reinforce the stereotyped view the public has of therapy.

Also, why does she only seem to go to psychoanalysts?

 

[ClinPsycMasters]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/m...I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M161-ROS-0810-PH&WT.mc_ev=click

Thoughts?....Discuss?

That was one wordy article and I skimmed through it in ten minutes.

Here's what I got:

The writer saw many therapists for many years, starting when she was just a child. Therapists don't cure but she wishes they could. She couldn't decide what level of therapy is suited for her, seeing how she ended up in the hospital after some depth therapy, whereas something more superficial was not to her liking either. She would have liked more affection and love, to feel really cared for. She notes that it is very hard to decide what kind of therapy is needed, for how long, etc. Yet she feels addicted to it, to having that kind of relationship, and a place to blow of steam.

Interestingly enough, while reading the piece, I was tempted to draw conclusions about the writer's mental illness and personality, picking up some borderline traits. I also found myself put off by all these wordy descriptions of different therapists.

Regardless, I agree with much of what she has said. Yes, I also wish therapy cured. I wish it were easier to decide what sort of therapy is needed for whom and for how long. It would be nice if we could standardize treatment and have better quality control--not in the present managed care fashion, sacrificing creativity and variety for quick and efficient McTherapy. Therapy is definitely not for everyone and there are other ways to deal with problems. Some therapists can do more harm than good. They are bad for the patients and bad for the reputation of the profession.

 

[erg923]

I'll post my thoughts later, but got interested in it cause the cover looked like Betty Draper (from "Mad Men") and her analyst...

 

[cara susanna]

The pretentious writing is why I skimmed it, tbh. And, yeah, I kind of picked up on some potential Borderline traits, too.

 

[ClinPsycMasters]

The pretentious writing is why I skimmed it, tbh. And, yeah, I kind of picked up on some potential Borderline traits, too.

Yes, pretentious writing, I'm not a big fan either. I have come across that in psych articles too. Sometimes the subject matter is complex and abstract enough to require some sophisticated writing. Other times, it seems, the vocabulary merely reflects the author's personality--or fondness for that style of writing.

 

[Neuropsych2be]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/m...I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M161-ROS-0810-PH&WT.mc_ev=click

Thoughts?....Discuss?

A truly hideous piece of writing. My initial reaction to this piece of work is that some forms of Axis II pathology are too ingrained to change. Even though I am a dynamically oriented therapist, I think a long series of sessions with Albert Ellis would have worked wonders for her. Of course this is my own counter transference speaking ...... The sad thing about this article is that it reinforces all the negative stereotypes about therapy in general and dynamic therapy specifically.

 

[cara susanna]

I really wish she'd tried CBT because it's pretty efficacious with depression.

 

[ClinPsycMasters]

I really liked this article, although I wish it was titled "My Life In Psychoanalysis."

Basically, the client spent lots of money and time over 40 years for something that gave her mixed results. She became addicted to trying to uncover her problems. She became fixated and even obsessed with her past and she wonders if this detracted from her present. She tried numerous therapists. Psychoanalysis did not give her what she wanted.

This is what can happen when therapists fail to: use a reliable yardstick for progress, elicit feedback from clients, provide clients with realistic information about therapy and how it can be helpful or harmful, and most importantly use current treatment methods.

It is interesting watching everyone's desire to point out Axis II traits. I have seen a tendency in mental health professionals (including myself) to start looking for axis II traits if the therapy isn't working despite our best progress, as opposed to referring to a higher level of care or to another provider, seeking consultation and further supervision, etc. I am not saying you guys are doing that btw. I am just saying that sometimes people have a tendency to place all of the blame on the client in cases like this.

I know your post was not directed at me but let me clarify my view.

Yes, I did point out possibility of Axis II traits, partly based on the author's views and expectations, and partly on length of treatment and large number of therapists. Of course, to diagnose someone based on a piece of writing--a highly edited one at that--is not my intention at all. What do I really know about her?

It was just a speculation. And yes, I also pointed out that I agree with a lot of what she says about the various shortcomings of our profession. I know this is directed at psychoanalysis mostly but I don't think other schools are much better. CBT for instance, is definitely better when dealing with certain issues like anxiety, whereas it may not be sufficient when it comes to childhood issues.