Are shrinks just attention for hire?

Answer 1

If by shrink you mean a psychiatrist, then definitely not. A psychiatrist is a doctor who is trained to diagnose and treat mental illness and behavior disorders. They're there to figure out the cause and solution, if there is one, to serious medical issues.

If you mean a psychologist, then no (but less definitely). A psychologist isn't just there to listen to you talk, they are there to recognize specific patterns of problematic behavior or cognition (thoughts) that can be helped. You can think of them as dog trainers for people, if you like. If you have a phobia, a psychologist knows techniques to help you get over it that have been proven by scientific research. If you're depressed or anxious all the time, the same thing goes.

The only time shrinks are just attention for hire is when you go to one when you don't really have a problem.

Answer 2

I say that Shrinks fill in where patients can not talk to family or friends about a problem.

Example, I can't go to my parents and tell them I have the hots for a girl at work. My father would kill me. My friends would disown me. So I hit the couch.

I would have been cured except I got the hots for the female shrink. She cured me for $90 an hour and Medical Insurance paid. I like those apples. I did not even have to explain where I went every Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Insurance cut my visits down to one a week. Shrink said it would be dangerous to cut down so she gives me one free visit a week. I hope my insurance never runs out. Only in America.

Answer 3

No. They are trained to teach better living skills and sort out serious mental disorders. Often a patient or client has to tell their side of the problem(s), certainly symptoms, and that is where you get the impression that all we do is listen. Intensive therapy goes far past the talking stage. That is just preliminary. People ridicule psychiatry but the science behind it is valid.

Answer 4

Not really. I think of them more as sounding boards who listen in a neutral way and then help you to figure out which path to take. A good therapist or counselor is more than just someone to give you attention. They are able to listen to your problems without being emotionally involved and therefore can help you sort things out in your head. While nothing can replace the love and support of family and friends, sometimes we need a neutral person to really be able to help us.

Answer 5

yes...now that i think about it...all the education and training they get really doesnt serve much use...the only difference between a shrink and anyone else is the money they get...this is my opinion based on experience with shrinks...they couldnt help me with something even as simple as social anxiety...there isnt as much science behind psychology as some people might think, which is why therapy doesnt often work...

Answer 6

more like friend/family for hire.

A sufficiently "socially wise" friend or family member could give you same advice, but you might be less likely to follow it since friends and family have their own interest in your behavior, and you might not respect their opinion as much.