Would you seek the help of a psychiatrist or a counselor if you had a problem?

Question

Do you believe that psychiatrist and counselors actually have the ability to help people ...or do you think that their professions are just hogwash?

I guess I should clarify the reason I asked this question.

I am contemplating starting graduate school to get my masters in counseling. I have already received a bachelor’s degree in social work and I am a licensed social worker. I agree with some of you who have pointed out that those who are trying to help are often more messed up than those who are coming in for care.

I wanted people's opinios about mental health care providers.

Answer 1

For about two years my wife thought I was bipolar, which I was. I didn't think for a second that i had bipolar. My grandmother and my sister were. I saw what their lives were like. I was so scared of the Diagnosis. My life dramatically changed when I accepted the diagnosis and got the medicine that I needed. Do I think its hogwash? Not at all. As far as psychologist. I have met allot of nutty ones who didn't help at all. I find one who helped me by teaching cognitive therapy. If you go to one that you don't like, try again.

Answer 2

It depends upon the nature of the problem... and whether or not your "problem" is causing you difficulty that is a danger to yourself or others.

Unlike other professions, which deal with tangible activity where competency can be measured, the mental health field is a great deal of woo-woo, in that those in it agree that what lies behind problems is always something outside of oneself.... principally because most have no idea of what is going on within your MIND, or what to do about it.

Psychiatrists tend to believe more in the MIND, and that what it represses is often the causal behind behaviorally manifested "problems". But not all psychiatrists are the same.

As for "helping" people, no one can really do that. What some can do is provide you a neutral and accepting environment where you can "discover" what needs to be discovered from within yourself... within your own MIND specifically.

Generally speaking, and more often than not, what needs to be experienced is some intensely painful grief... which is held back out of fear of its intensity. If you could find a really good friend, who is strong enough to "listen" to you... you just might "hear" in your discussion what you need to "hear" in order to let this bit of intensity surface.

Ultimately the decision is yours, and I'm sure you know this.
Peace

Answer 3

"Would you seek the help of a psychiatrist or a counselor if you had a problem?"

Sure, I guess. Why not?

"Do you believe that psychiatrist and counselors actually have the ability to help people ...or do you think that their professions are just hogwash?"

Yes, I believe they do in MOST cases. However, the patient has to WANT to be helped which, despite the fact that they are seeing the doctor, isn't always the case.

Answer 4

I have too many problems to seek professional help. It would not be cost effective if you get my meaning. So I pray. The service is free and even if I still have problems, at least I know someone with the real ability to solve them is listening. But if you have a lot of time and money go for it.

Answer 5

Right, there are myriad of psychological issues a person can have and as many ways to deal with them. The MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO is to get educated about what you think you might have, and talk to someone you can trust about that doesn't have a personal agenda.

If you want to discuss with somone who's been through some psychiatric adventures himself feel free to mail me.

Cheers, and good luck!

Answer 6

I think counselling can be enormously helpful in some situations. Sometimes we get stuck in our problems; having somebody else listen and make observations helps us see the situation more clearly. This is especially true when family is involved and it's easier to communicate your feelings to an outsider than to their faces.

BUT it's important to find a therapist who's a good fit for you. If you don't feel comfortable, shop around for somebody else.

Answer 7

seems to me that most people are led to believe that something is wrong with them that needs fixing because of expression - that the listener somehow doesn't approve of the person's way of expressing themselves. the last thing you should do is talk to a counselor or social worker or un-defined therapist (as most of them are). within the context of the well known halo effect, such righteous charlatans will latch on to anything - even a twitch - to justify their colleagues determination. if you're refered to a "counselor", "social worker", or "therapist" (sex therapist? physical therapist? massage therapist? psycho-therapist? occupational therapist?, etc...holier than thou phonies are always un-defined, "Hi. I'm your therapist"), be aware this loser does not care about you, they care only about their colleagues - that's all. If I felt compelled to seek approval for the way I express myself, I would see an artist. Or does that make too much sense?

Answer 8

Yes, you can get great opinions from a new perspective. Even though friends are great to talk to sometimes they dont always give you the best advice. I think counselors are great because of my last counselor, i am alive today.

Answer 9

Hogwash. Most of them are just as f'd up as the people they are supposedly helping. And the people who do go to them just want to whine to someone about all the bullsh*t in their lives.

Answer 10

If we had the psychiatrist, i would like to visit her/him. some people can go to confession, but we haven't priest in China. and even someone would like to get a counsel, but the couch doctor is not common in China. but, the time is changing, i think it's a good idea go to China when you graduated.