Posted by mila on May 2, 2001, at 7:47:11
In reply to WHAT DO PEOPLE LOOK FOR IN A PSYCHOLOGIST?, posted by KS on May 2, 2001, at 6:50:24
Hi Kevin,
*really*? as opposed to *how*? :)))in a psychologist I look for knowledge and curiosity. A psychologist in my understanding is 'more educated' in psychological matters than a psychiatrist. I expect them to be well up-dated in the latest methods of treatment and scientific discoveries, including those that show that therapeutic relationship accounts for a huge portion of satisfaction and positive outcome. So, it is very strange for me to hear that you do not have much feedback from your clients about your strengths and weaknesses. why? how does it benefit you?
encounter with a psychologist is all about exploration, with a psychiatrist - about disease and health. From a psychologist I expect assistance in full elucidation of the experiential side of the illness, if any, and a proper administration of a proper treatment.
ignorance is very harmful in a psychologist. Lack of acceptance and respect is even worst.
Insatiable curiosity, tremendous, infectious sense of wonder, theoretical flexibility, and oversized emotional skills are very helpful. A psychologist can afford being non-supportive, a psychiatrist never. It is because being non-supportive is one of the tools a psychologist uses in both exploration and treatment.
I would never see a psychologist who identfies herself/himself as a therapist. Mainly because it makes a client into a patient, presupposes a disorder or a pathology of some kind. Not every human condition is pathological however disfunctional it can be.
mila
poster:mila
thread:5827
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010417/msgs/5828.html