Let’s remember how this all got started. At first, only medical doctors could “treat” patients. They did this through lobotomy, electrocution, and similar. (1880s, the ‘science’ of psychology was born).
Next, clinical psychologists could treat patients (MDs were upset by this). Clinical psychologists do this primarily through talking and somatic methods. DBT (1990s) revolutionized it to be more action oriented than the original CBT. (1930s on, realized when people came back from war, they shared similar traits. Was still called “mental infirmity”, initially believing those who suffered were weak and infirm.)
Then, life coaches began working with clients (Clinical psychologists were upset by this). They do this through action-oriented results and tangible, evidence-based skills. (1980s, leading to awareness that we all have maladaptive traits that can be shifted, and we don’t need to be labeled with a disorder to reincorporate ourselves).
And now, individuals recognize themselves as their greatest healers and have the ability to access psychiatry, psychology, professional coaching, and self-coaching. (2010 and on, the internet has removed the secrecy of the 1880s to 1990s that deemed only a licensed person can know how the brain and body respond to trauma and its related outcomes, and the path out).
Galileo reminds us all learning is self-teaching. We teach ourselves what we need to learn when the volume is turned up and we are done repeating our patterns. When the pain of staying how we are is greater than the pain of changing. No one can do that for us. It’s us, as individuals. Who is the best person or best people to do that work with us if we choose to have a guide? We each get to decide for ourselves.
While I hold a PhD in psychology, degrees alone do not create the gifts needed to help others transform their lives. An inner gift (whether inborn or developed) combined with the science to understand the importance and workings of the brain and body is a good formula for helpful work, no matter one’s degrees. To discount someone who has a gift but not a degree and diminish the good work they may be able to do with others is not helpful.
Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists cause great harm to children and adults every day. Others do a big bunch of nothing, taking $1,000s for it. I’ve worked for 20 years getting children off medications handed out by a psychiatrist to a worried and confused parent after a mere 15-minute meeting in an exam room (a parent just trying to help their child feel ok in the world).
From my experience as a human, as a professional practitioner for 30 years, and as a mother of five grown children, may I suggest that due diligence as a receiver of professional care is paramount. We can each create our own treasure map to healing with many sources of care and learning along the way.
