 |
Psychology and the Media: undoing the notion of a "quack"
Hollywood certainly doesn't do the behavioral sciences any favors. Movies such as "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"; "What About Bob?"; "The Prince of Tides" and "Silence of the Lambs" are blockbuster hits that sent a firm message that psychologists are at least ineffective and are, at worst, serial killers or have sex with their patients. It's no wonder people are reluctant to speak with a psychologist. As I was writing this book it occurred to me that the reader will thankfully get a glimpse of what happens behind the doors of a therapy session. Thank God. Therapy is not a "mystery" or "magical." I have never had a client who preferred to "lie on the couch." We don't blame parents for everything. And I certainly don't feel like a "quack" when I help people solve real-life problems and reach their goals.
Anybody who knows me and/or has worked with me knows that I love my job. Yes, it is hard emotionally sometimes and can follow you on vacations or on a long-awaited date with my husband. And there are those heartbreaking moments when I sit and wonder how this person/child ever made it this far. But what pulls me through is that, for the most part, I work with people who are brave, strong, and motivated. Therapy is not for the dishonest or weak. It will fail if you don't follow through. I work with children whose parents know how tough it is out there and they don't have (even the most transparent) blinders over their eyes. They see things clearly and can be honest about their struggles. That is what refreshes me. I believe in my profession, and practice what I preach. Hopefully this book can help you understand what therapy is all about. Since so many people are not likely to go out and find a psychologist to work with, I thought I'd bring to you a glimpse of what some sessions look like.
Next Page
|
