Post-Schna-ulations

"Science! I said Science again!"

For any who work in the social services, you're probably already aware how managed care, insurance companies, drug companies (particularly television ads), and the growing attitude of people wanting a quick fix (drugs) has affected the work that can be done in regards to therapy. I wholeheartedly support psychopharmacology. I am also skeptical of many "alternative" therapies (such as rebirthing therapy, for example). HOWEVER, that doesn't mean I'm skeptical of ALL alernative medicine...quite the opposite, in fact. No single therapy will work for all people.

There are people who need counselling...good, old-fashioned, one-on-one psychotherapy. Some people need to be able to tell their stories, in their words, to a relatively impartial listener who, unlike a friend, is not expecting the same in return. If this can't be clinically (scientifically) proven to work, does that mean it has no merit? What is the definition of "effective therapy" anyway? By insurance company and managed care standards, it is the quickest possible fix...the fewest sessions, the drugs, moving people out of assisted living and out on their own (whether ready or not)...
And now, the question is before the APA, and they are torn.
For Psychotherapy's Claims, Skeptics Demand Proof

"Which side prevails may shape not only how young therapists are trained and what techniques practitioners use in the future, but also how tightly health insurers restrict the therapies they are willing to pay for, and thus how much the estimated 20 million Americans who enter psychotherapy each year have to pay out of their own pockets. Ultimately, some experts say, the survival of one-on-one counseling, or talk therapy, as an accepted mode of treatment for mental disorders may hang in the balance"

If all people were the same, had the same experiences, existing in the same time and place, then perhaps a clinically proven therapy could be found that would be totally effective for everyone. Ironic how a field so concerned with promoting acceptance of all people despite race, culture, experience, history, blah blah blah blah blah....seems to forget all of these things when trying to find a way to best help any given individual.

posted by Schna @ 12:14 PM