Hi, I'm a psychology student and know most of the practicing psychologists in my city either personally or through someone else, because of my research and academic experience. I want psychological help but I don't want it to be from someone I know. What should I do?
Has anyone been in this situation?
2007-10-17 13:07:27 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Certainly. Don't you know that dentists have to other dentists? Physicians have to go to other physicians. Especially in cases of psychology, you know you can not and should not self diagnose. There is nothing wrong with seeing another professional to help you with what ever you need, it is the right thing to do! Besides, if they know you, they will have a better understanding of you and your issues, so it is more of an advantage.
2007-10-17 13:34:39 · answer #1 · answered by Hot Coco Puff 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This certainly can feel like a tough spot to be in. However, you still have options.
You could try working with a mental health provider who is an MSW or LICSW. This might widen your options and would mean that you could work with people who would be less likely to overlap with your research and academics.
Another option could be to see if there are people in any of the neighboring communities. Of course this requires that you live somewhere that has cities relatively close to each other.
It's also helpful to remember that confidentiality is required in mental health. Even if you end up working with someone who you have previously encountered in an academic setting there are still ways to create a healthy therapeutic relationship.
2007-10-17 13:14:53 · answer #2 · answered by scoop 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might seek help from a therapist who is a psychiatrist or a LC SW in your town or you can go the nearest town to you that has a fairly large hospital or go to a teaching hospital and seek out the mental health center. The other issue that you might consider is that if you went to therapy with someone you know but don't know intimately you might find it easier to form a bond with the person and that's important to therapy that you find some one that you can relate to and who you can have confidence in. You would be under the doctor, patient confidentiality laws, which are almost absolute except in the case where you might hurt yourself or someone else. So even if you did know the person that you're in therapy with they would not be able to tell any one anything that you said in session.
2007-10-17 15:31:37 · answer #3 · answered by Kathryn R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having known a few psychologists I would say that you don't have a lot to worry about. People are people but most psychs are in the business to help. Knowing that you are requesting help, you might find it easier to work with someone who you already know. Confidentiality is also a key component of the trades and they can't legally divulge what you are talking about anyway.
2007-10-17 13:23:14 · answer #4 · answered by shreditspot 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋