The purpose of speaking out (push-back) in all contexts, not just the therapeutic, is not primarily about achieving any success, though that would be nice. It is about refusing to be complicit through silence.
Thank you Rick.....I agree we need to pushback in all contexts...I hope what I’ve written is transferrable to other domains - education, health, national and local governments, commerce etc....you have been pushing back for decades Rick which is inspiring to me and very much appreciated. I also agree about refusing to be complicit; it isn’t about winning, it’s about maintaining our integrity, self-esteem and a space to practice in our preferred way, in alignment with our values.
Love this and agree wholeheartedly; your exposition is clarifying and fab! I trained as a therapist in 1997 and doubt I would have done so had this been the soil. I'd have rejected this path in the same way I rejected journalism when I realised your editor told you what to think.
Given the potential imbalance of power in the therapeutic relationship, it's a horror to realise that therapists may often meet their clients complete with all these prejudices. Unethical and exactly what therapy shouldn't be.
Thank you Manda…so much manipulation everywhere…really need our wits about us….it would be great if someone did some research, asking the general public if they wanted their therapist to be a political activist…I don’t know if you’re still practising…but I do think there are more of us than we might think quietly, and some of us loudly, just getting on with being traditional counsellors and psychotherapists…
Thanks Sue for deconstructing so clearly CSJ responses. How to stay focussed and calm ! The references to the psychotherapy modalities is really useful too.
As people have said it’s about retaining self respect and integrity.
Using our adult voice against childlike blame, projection and simplistic dualistic thinking.
Your mention of Jung and owning our shadows comes to mind.
Thank you Antoine…focussed and calm indeed…I’m glad the references were helpful…I think it’s important to know where we came from and honour that…not to throw it all away in a massive experiment which hasn’t ever been run by an ethics board….
The purpose of speaking out (push-back) in all contexts, not just the therapeutic, is not primarily about achieving any success, though that would be nice. It is about refusing to be complicit through silence.
Thank you Rick.....I agree we need to pushback in all contexts...I hope what I’ve written is transferrable to other domains - education, health, national and local governments, commerce etc....you have been pushing back for decades Rick which is inspiring to me and very much appreciated. I also agree about refusing to be complicit; it isn’t about winning, it’s about maintaining our integrity, self-esteem and a space to practice in our preferred way, in alignment with our values.
Complicity through silence resulted in the mass slaughter of Jews and in the deaths of thousands of ‘prisoners of conscience’ worldwide.
Yes..reminding me of Martin Niemoller’s poem…poetic licence ‘first they came for the traditional psychotherapists…’ (actually it was the men)….
Sad that this eloquent reminder is needed at all - but I'm very glad you wrote it.
indeed Nessa. Thank you.
Love this and agree wholeheartedly; your exposition is clarifying and fab! I trained as a therapist in 1997 and doubt I would have done so had this been the soil. I'd have rejected this path in the same way I rejected journalism when I realised your editor told you what to think.
Given the potential imbalance of power in the therapeutic relationship, it's a horror to realise that therapists may often meet their clients complete with all these prejudices. Unethical and exactly what therapy shouldn't be.
Thank you Manda…so much manipulation everywhere…really need our wits about us….it would be great if someone did some research, asking the general public if they wanted their therapist to be a political activist…I don’t know if you’re still practising…but I do think there are more of us than we might think quietly, and some of us loudly, just getting on with being traditional counsellors and psychotherapists…
Thanks Sue for deconstructing so clearly CSJ responses. How to stay focussed and calm ! The references to the psychotherapy modalities is really useful too.
As people have said it’s about retaining self respect and integrity.
Using our adult voice against childlike blame, projection and simplistic dualistic thinking.
Your mention of Jung and owning our shadows comes to mind.
Thank you Antoine…focussed and calm indeed…I’m glad the references were helpful…I think it’s important to know where we came from and honour that…not to throw it all away in a massive experiment which hasn’t ever been run by an ethics board….
I like points 3 and 4: 3: Socratic questioning is at the heart of therapy
4: distinguishing between discomfort and actual harm is important
Thanks Sue!
Glad you liked those Jennie…thank you