To the CDers Who Are Contemplating Counseling

[Taylor Ray]

Taylor, the theories do come from observation of real life participants, many of whom are desperately seeking help for themselves. They do not understand what is going on. This is empirical data, not armchair philosophy. If we left it up to forum members to define themselves, their motives, and develop healthy coping mechanisms it wouldn't happen especially since many (most?) cannot fathom anyone who is different than themselves. Have you come across any of our lengthy argument threads yet? :p

Also, who is the 'old guard', what do they control, and what do they get out of maintaining control?

Some great points, Reine. I mentioned earlier that my intent in engaging in these discussions is never to undermine diagnostic systems that offer real help to humans who are suffering. In this case my point of view is from the perspective of someone studying how systems of classification have historically been used both to help people and to control them. (Big fan of Michel Foucault)

Yes the phrase "old guard" is definitely a generalization. (This is just an online forum after all!) In this discussion I would say the pharmaceutical industry is one example of a group that benefits from being able to influence diagnostic criteria. For serious mental illness medications are life saving and necessary. For some of the less serious diagnostic criteria, it could be argued that medications are overly prescribed.

Another example can be seen in how the mental health industry has changed the definition of hysteria to "conversion disorder", in order to do away with the negative connotations associated with "hysteria". I have read about instances in which the label "hysteria" was applied to women, not to help them, but to "keep them in their place."

There are countless other examples of how labels can be used to help but also to control.

[Wildaboutheels]

It's highly likely that various "health professionals" of all varieties, are almost equally to blame as Big Pharma for the push to LABEL any kind of Human "anomaly". When Human behaviors or compulsions have some type of LABEL, they can be both treated with counseling and/or prescribed some drug. This is only going to get worse, because, let's face it... Most [Americans at least, far and away above other countries] folks are just itching for the latest magic pill that will allow them, with no effort on their part, to "fix" whatever ails or "inconveniences" them.

[ReineD]

In this discussion I would say the pharmaceutical industry is one example of a group that benefits from being able to influence diagnostic criteria. For serious mental illness medications are life saving and necessary. For some of the less serious diagnostic criteria, it could be argued that medications are overly prescribed.

Another example can be seen in how the mental health industry has changed the definition of hysteria to "conversion disorder", in order to do away with the negative connotations associated with "hysteria". I have read about instances in which the label "hysteria" was applied to women, not to help them, but to "keep them in their place."

I thought you were applying the 'old guard' argument to the suggested therapy in Chapter 7, which is to follow an affirmative approach. This means working toward family acceptance and without giving anyone any medication. I didn't realize that you were talking in very general terms about the pharmaceuticals and the medical profession.

I'd appreciate anyone who wishes to discuss the pharma industry and doctors in general, to please do so in a new thread?

[ossian]

This has been a good thread.

One of the things that I'm thinking is that a chapter in a book doesn't make a good therapist much in the same way that an auto manual doesn't make a good car mechanic. It is the neuanced understanding of a wide body of literature balanced insights by the client and the therapist that make magic happen.

What goes on in therapy with a good therapist can be life transforming. Thanks again reiene for starting this thread.

[ReineD]

Ossian, I take it that the therapists who will read this book have been thoroughly trained in their field, and that this book is meant only to give them added insight into the fraction of the population that is LGBTI.

[Jamiegirl1]

thank you so much for this,I printed it and will read when I get a chance.....Jamie

[JessieJones]

Thanks for posting that. I am about halfway through it. Very interesting..

[larry]

Thanks for sharing

[Julie1123]

Thanks for posting this, Reine.

[Beverley Sims]

I am so pissed. I read the article and wrote a long and deeply insightful commentary. Unfortunately, you'll never see it because my iPad inexplicably decided to 'time-out' my log in...so every word vanished. Believe me, it was thoughtful, provocative and highly entertaining. You'll just have to imagine it.

Kim I wonder how many have written something similar only to reply with a 2 liner when they get it sorted.
It has happened to me often. The thoughtful gets tossed out with the bathwater.