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Now ye're talking - to a psychologist

24

Comments

  • #32
    Standman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,681 ✭✭✭Standman


    There are so many different types of counsellors/psychologists out there with varying experience and expertise that it's quite daunting for a person to start seeing someone. On top of that, there are a lot of quacks out there.

    In an ideal world we could try out various specialists and see which one suits if any, but it's not really possible for many seeing as these things aren't free and can put a serious dent in the funds. I suspect this is quite a barrier for many people.

    What advice could you give a newcomer re choosing the right psychologist in Ireland? Where should you start looking? Given that it's a business, how does your average person discern marketing patter from actual trustworthy information?


  • #33
    I'm a Psychologist, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 25 Verified rep ✭I'm a Psychologist, AMA


    Rex Calm Barbell wrote: »
    Whats your opinion on social media & how it effects peoples mental health?

    thanks for doing this AMA, quite interesting.

    I have mixed feelings. I think it allows for people to connect with others who may be struggling with similar things, and that sense of connectedness and shared understanding is important and helpful. But I also think it allows people to really dwell on their problems with a platform and a receptive audience, and that's unhelpful - even dangerous, at times, as it can be an avoidance strategy that helps them avoid getting proper help.

    I do also despair at how we all present our "ideal" selves online, which is rarely a true reflection. Even I feel under pressure to be prettier, thinner, wealthier, more fun, travelling more, whatever - and I'm a relatively well-adjusted adult. I think it's probably really damaging to teenagers with fragile senses of selves. I particularly hate the elevation of total nobodies into something like deities that we see so much of on social media these days.
    Tell me how wrote: »
    Some of the other questions touched on this one, namely the influence of the "just talk" ideal and also social awareness.

    Do you think we have created a grouping of people who identify as having mental health problems but really are just coping with normal life challenges?

    Do you think, as a consequence, some people abdicate responsibility for dealing with these challenges by saying their mental health is being severely affected?

    (I'm try not to be judgemental of any individual but I do find myself somewhat sceptical at times such as, for example, hearing the leaving cert is bad for students mental health, and should be changed)

    That's one where my professional and personal responses would probably differ! But at the end of the day, it's not my place to invalidate another person's experience. It is part of the problem with "labelling" or "diagnosing" - even if you follow the diagnostic guidelines, depression can present totally differently in two different people - one could be sleeping all day and losing weight, the other could be awake all night and gaining weight, for instance. Neither is "wrong".

    I think there have always been varying levels of resilience and coping abilities. In the past, society was in a place where you either had to manage regardless or probably die. Thankfully that has changed. People have also always been inclined towards hyperbole! Have you ever said "I have the flu" when you just have a cold? Does the label really matter at the end of the day? You feel sh*t whether it's a cold or the flu - just different degrees of sh*t. Either way, you're not healthy.


  • #34
    I'm a Psychologist, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 25 Verified rep ✭I'm a Psychologist, AMA


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Hah my bad. I tend to get so deep in studying certain topics that I no longer talk in a way that anyone not similarly deep into it can make sense of :)

    I think when it comes to crime and the question of Free Will, people are resistant to the idea that we do not have Free Will because they believe it undermines Justice. How can we hold anyone accountable for their crimes if they did not have free will.

    But many people who work - like you - with serious criminals do not see a problem. They think we can still pursue justice and rehabilitation without a concept of free will.

    And they think it even beneficial to treat their patients under that paradigm. Not to see them as evil people - but in some ways victims. Victims we want and should incarcerate and rehabilitate - but victims none the less - of their biology or circumstance or whatever.

    And I was just curious if that was your direction on things too :)

    Honestly, I think that question veers much more into philosophy than psychology, and philosophy has never been my strong point! All I will say is that I definitely believe in free will, and I've not come across people in a professional capacity that work under the assumption that people don't have free will.
    Standman wrote: »
    There are so many different types of counsellors/psychologists out there with varying experience and expertise that it's quite daunting for a person to start seeing someone. On top of that, there are a lot of quacks out there.

    In an ideal world we could try out various specialists and see which one suits if any, but it's not really possible for many seeing as these things aren't free and can put a serious dent in the funds. I suspect this is quite a barrier for many people.

    What advice could you give a newcomer re choosing the right psychologist in Ireland? Where should you start looking? Given that it's a business, how does your average person discern marketing patter from actual trustworthy information?

    You're absolutely right. I touched on this in a previous answer, but it's very important to check out the qualifications of anyone you are thinking of working with. You can check if they're registered with the Psychological Society of Ireland but that's totally optional, and registering is a personal choice that doesn't reflect on professional abilities.

    Your best best is to speak to a GP or similar to ask for a recommendation or referral. I'd personally be wary of anyone who comes across as too slick or makes promises that sound too good to be true.


  • #35
    RhubarbCrumble
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,174 ✭✭✭RhubarbCrumble


    Can I ask what the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist is? Thank you.


  • #36
    artvanderlay
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,199 ✭✭✭artvanderlay


    Have you ever had issues with patients being aggessive/threatening/harassing you, or even developing feelings for you? If so, how do you handle these situations, and what has been your worst experience in this regard?


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  • #37
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Physics had people like Stephen Hawking - Biology has Richard Dawkins - Astrophysics had Carl Sagan and Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

    Are there particular pop-science writers or speakers you think represent your field to the lay public really well - either in books or online accessible talks?

    Pretty please don't say Jordan Peterson :-p


  • #38
    mitresize5
    Registered Users Posts: 1,004 ✭✭✭mitresize5


    RhubarbCrumble wrote: »
    Can I ask what the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist is? Thank you.

    Im really interested in your opinions about psychotherapy.

    My perhaps naive view is that anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist after doing a short course over a couple of months or through distance learning and in effect set themselves up as a professional dealing with the most intimate details of a persons life.

    Im not convinced that these people are adequately qualified to deal with issues that will have serious consequences on peoples lives.

    Whereas a psychologist to me has years more education and a clinical background.

    What is your opinion on psychologist V psychotherapist


  • #39
    SimonTemplar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,815 ✭✭✭SimonTemplar


    I unfortunately had a bout of mental illness (depression) this year. I was referred to a mental health department in the HSE. Over the course of a few months, I saw three doctors - two junior and one senior. The medications weren't working due to various reasons. At the end, the senior doctor said that the HSE is a public health system with limited resources and that I needed to "make an effort" to get better.

    What is your opinion of this? Was this reasonable for the senior doctor to say this?

    Thanks.


  • #40
    frankhon
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭frankhon


    What are some non-obvious signs that somebody is seriously not ok? We often hear tragic stories of people dying by suicide and the people closest to them genuinely had no idea that they were in such a bad way.

    Also: is there an easy way to distinguish somebody experiencing a rough patch in their life to somebody who is suicidal? Is A&E the best entry point to definitive care for somebody who is acutely unwell, mentally speaking?

    The first question is out of curiosity. The second one is related to a situation that I have found myself in as an EMT with a voluntary ambulance service. The treatment of mental health emergencies does not get the time and attention that they deserve in training!


  • #41
    mariaalice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,615 ✭✭✭✭mariaalice


    Why is insight so difficult for individuals, is there any healing in mental health without insight.

    Why is motivation so difficult for individuals.

    How come some psychologist are so vague saying it maybe be an X issue and so on why are they so good at giving a description and are wary of giving a diagnosis.

    Do psychologists provided a treatment plan or what is their functions, in other words, do people have an incorrect perception of what a psychologist can do.


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  • #42
    I'm a Psychologist, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 25 Verified rep ✭I'm a Psychologist, AMA


    RhubarbCrumble wrote: »
    Can I ask what the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist is? Thank you.

    It's a tricky one! Psychotherapist, I believe, can apply to anyone who does talking therapies. A psychotherapist doesn't necessarily have a psychology degree, though, whereas a psychologist does. However, you can do specific qualifications, including a doctoral qualification, in psychotherapy as well. I think psychotherapists tend to use more of a psychoanalytical approach - more in line with Freudian theories, for instance. I've worked with a few psychotherapists and they've certainly done a tremendous amount of self-analysis as part of their training. It's pretty hardcore!
    artvanderlay wrote: »
    Have you ever had issues with patients being aggessive/threatening/harassing you, or even developing feelings for you? If so, how do you handle these situations, and what has been your worst experience in this regard?

    Outside of forensic services, I'd say it's pretty rare to experience aggression, unless you're in an acute mental health unit. Even within forensic services, it's not generally psychologists who are targeted :/. If it were to happen, I'd end the session immediately and get help, if needed. In forensic services, you would have access to personal alarms for your own safety. We're also trained in basic manoeuvres should someone try to grab you. I've been on the premises when things have kicked off, but to date, never in the vicinity.

    I had one client who I think was getting a little fond of me. I discussed it with my supervisor at the time, but all that really needed to be done was maintain boundaries. He'd made a pretty significant recovery from his mental health issues and I think he was just transferring some positive emotion onto me.
    Deleted User wrote: »
    Physics had people like Stephen Hawking - Biology has Richard Dawkins - Astrophysics had Carl Sagan and Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

    Are there particular pop-science writers or speakers you think represent your field to the lay public really well - either in books or online accessible talks?

    Pretty please don't say Jordan Peterson :-p

    Oh, I 100% won't say Jordan Peterson.

    Nobody jumps to mind, tbh. There's a book called Mind Over Mood that we often recommend to people for the basics of CBT in a self-help approach. Psychologists tend to write about specific topics (e.g. OCD, anxiety, depression) from an academic perspective, rather than broad pop-psychology. Unfortunately, the people who tend to give psychology-related TED Talks and the like are more commonly journalists! We're not a great profession for self-promotion, particularly those of us working clinically, rather than academically.


  • #43
    I'm a Psychologist, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 25 Verified rep ✭I'm a Psychologist, AMA


    mitresize5 wrote: »
    Im really interested in your opinions about psychotherapy.

    My perhaps naive view is that anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist after doing a short course over a couple of months or through distance learning and in effect set themselves up as a professional dealing with the most intimate details of a persons life.

    Im not convinced that these people are adequately qualified to deal with issues that will have serious consequences on peoples lives.

    Whereas a psychologist to me has years more education and a clinical background.

    What is your opinion on psychologist V psychotherapist

    Kind of answered above, but you've hit the nail on the head: It totally depends on the qualifications. A psychotherapist who has a doctorate will have extensive training and I'd trust them completely. For instance, the DCU Psychotherapy doctorate has these requirements:
    https://www.dcu.ie/courses/Postgraduate/snhs/Doctorate-Psychotherapy.shtml#tab5 wrote:
    Applicants must:

    hold a primary degree or equivalent in a relevant area, such as humanities, health or education;
    hold a Masters in Psychotherapy or equivalent (which incorporates a minimum of 300 hours clinical practice, 50 hours clinical supervision and 80 hours personal therapy);
    have a minimum of 2 years post-training practice experience working with a broad range of psychological problems;
    be personally suitable to undertake advanced training within the context of a taught programme (e.g. motivated, reflective)
    demonstrate evidence that they can undertake a research project at doctoral level
    successfully undertake a selection interview
    SimonTemplar wrote: »
    I unfortunately had a bout of mental illness (depression) this year. I was referred to a mental health department in the HSE. Over the course of a few months, I saw three doctors - two junior and one senior. The medications weren't working due to various reasons. At the end, the senior doctor said that the HSE is a public health system with limited resources and that I needed to "make an effort" to get better.

    What is your opinion of this? Was this reasonable for the senior doctor to say this?

    Thanks.

    I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties, and pretty horrified to hear that you were told that. It was absolutely not reasonable, but I think it was reflective of the pressures of the system. Some services are really stripped to the bone, and if someone is perceived as "not motivated", they can be dropped by the service to make way for someone else. It's horrible, but the only way it's ever going to change is if resources and funding increase dramatically.
    frankhon wrote: »
    What are some non-obvious signs that somebody is seriously not ok? We often hear tragic stories of people dying by suicide and the people closest to them genuinely had no idea that they were in such a bad way.

    Also: is there an easy way to distinguish somebody experiencing a rough patch in their life to somebody who is having a mental health emergency? Is A&E the best entry point to definitive care for somebody who is acutely unwell, mentally speaking?

    The first question is out of curiosity. The second one is related to a situation that I have found myself in as an EMT with a voluntary ambulance service. The treatment of mental health emergencies does not get the time and attention that they deserve in training!

    Someone attempting to give their possessions away can be a sign that they're planning suicide. It could be overt, like "Here, have this expensive item, you'll get more use out of it than me" or something like "If something happened to me, would you take my dog in?". Of course, that alone isn't a sign of them having suicidal thoughts, but it can be if they have other signs of low mood.

    For your second question, it's hard to answer generally. An emergency is generally that - an emergency. Our advice would generally be to speak to your GP first, if possible, but if it's an acute emergency or out-of-hours, then A&E is the place to go. As always, resources may vary but they should be best equipped to manage the immediate risks.
    mariaalice wrote: »
    Why is insight so difficult for individuals, is there any healing in mental health without insight.

    Why is motivation so difficult for individuals.

    How come some psychologist are so vague saying it maybe be an X issue and so on why are they so good at giving a description and are wary of giving a diagnosis.

    Do psychologists provided a treatment plan or what is their functions, in other words, do people have an incorrect perception of what a psychologist can do.

    Haha, more questions that books have been written on! I'll do my best to respond.

    Insight can be really painful. It requires us to confront the darker parts of ourselves and that's deeply uncomfortable. I think it's important for recovery, yes. But it's frightening and people need patience and support.

    Motivation... If I knew that, I'd be a millionaire! The reason is unique to every individual, I would say. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs would suggest that several needs must be met before a person can attend to other needs. So if a person is really stressed with work, they might not have the ability to motivate themselves to work out, because all of their resources are used up coping with work.

    Psychologists are always vague because you can't be definitive about human behaviour. I feel that being definitive is reductionistic - it tries to boil things down to bare bones, rather that look at all the details. What would be gained by being definitive, do you think?

    Psychologists absolute provide treatment plans when working within teams and services. I'm not sure what peoples' perception might be, or what might be incorrect about it. I've lifted the following to save me typing it out again:
    https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/clinical-psychologist wrote:
    As a clinical psychologist, you'll need to:

    assess your clients' needs, abilities or behaviour using a variety of methods, including psychometric tests, interviews and direct observation of their behaviour
    devise and monitor appropriate treatment programmes, including therapy, counselling or advice, in collaboration with colleagues
    work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside doctors, nurses, social workers, education professionals, health visitors, psychiatrists and occupational therapists
    offer therapy and treatments for issues relating to a range of mental health conditions
    develop and evaluate service provision for clients
    provide consultation to other professions, encouraging a psychological approach in their work
    counsel and support carers
    carry out applied research, adding to the evidence base of practice in a variety of healthcare settings.
    More experienced clinical psychologists may be called on to write legal reports and act as expert witnesses.


  • #44
    minikin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,980 ✭✭✭minikin


    Sure while you’re here... have you thoughts on the group psychology of an anonymous online forum?

    How some people might feel more free to say what they really feel / look for reward by supporting or opposing a view they may not necessarily hold / vent their offline frustrations / seek to express themselves creatively in a way they would not offline, where they may be more accountable and their thoughts seen as non-conformist / is the power dynamic of group-think stifling for those we may do well to listen to / what’s the psychological reward for moderators?
    Is social media social at all? Is it good for us and for society?

    (A quick 25,000 word thesis by 4th January will suffice, hard back x 2 copies, I’ll p.m. postal address)
    T.l.d.r. : What do you think of people’s behaviour on here?


  • #45
    handlemaster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,003 ✭✭✭handlemaster


    OP what drove you into the field of studies ? Was there a particular event in your early development that influenced your career choice ? If so have you found closure ?


  • #46
    blackcard
    Registered Users Posts: 4,054 ✭✭✭blackcard


    1 Do you think it would benefit everyone to see a psychologist?
    2 I have heard it said that the children of psychologists can be impacted by their parents trying to act as psychologists rather than parents. Do you have an opinion on this?


  • #47
    Purgative
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,511 ✭✭✭Purgative


    I'm a Psychologist, AMA wrote: »

    Oh, I 100% won't say Jordan Peterson.
    .


    Oh thank the baby bejesus. Have to say really enjoying the AMA


    Nobody jumps to mind, tbh. There's a book called Mind Over Mood that we often recommend to people for the basics of CBT in a self-help approach. Psychologists tend to write about specific topics (e.g. OCD, anxiety, depression) from an academic perspective, rather than broad pop-psychology. Unfortunately, the people who tend to give psychology-related TED Talks and the like are more commonly journalists! We're not a great profession for self-promotion, particularly those of us working clinically, rather than academically
    What about Zimbardo - is that "pop froth" too - just curious really as I enjoyed the book.


  • #48
    cordy1969
    Closed Accounts Posts: 129 ✭✭cordy1969


    Do you think there will ever be a cure for the Socialist Snowflake?


  • #49
    Mountainsandh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,700 ✭✭✭Mountainsandh


    what do you think of the mindfulness craze ?
    (thanks for the AMA)


  • #50
    Kuva
    Closed Accounts Posts: 870 ✭✭✭Kuva


    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057920126

    Now ye're talking - to a Helpline Volunteer


    Did you read that?

    What do you think of his - to parapharse "I'll just stay on the phone here while you kill yourself because you told me you've tried to get help, nothings worked and you've had enough" answer??


  • #51
    begbysback
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭begbysback


    So which comes first, the thoughts or the feelins? :D

    Have you ever suggested spiritual treatment for a mental issue?

    How much an hour do you charge?

    As a psychologist, whats your thoughts on the impact of media these days, particularly in the area of criminality - as earlier you stated treating an offender who seemed to be of sound nature, yet the media, as usual, seem to portray monsters for the sake of selling newspapers - what road does this bring society down?

    My favourite saying is reportedly from Confucius - "He who chases 2 rabbits catches neither" - whats yours, and do you find yourself paraphrasing a lot when treating, or do you stick to one direct line?


    Have you ever had to stop treating a patient because they were either just, too intelligent, too incompetent, too far gone?


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  • #52
    Tell me how
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,932 ✭✭✭✭Tell me how


    Kuva wrote:
    What do you think of his - to parapharse "I'll just stay on the phone here while you kill yourself because you told me you've tried to get help, nothings worked and you've had enough" answer??

    I think that's unfair to reference another Q&A here in this way.

    They said they maybe didn't make themselves clear in writing their post.


  • #53
    worded
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,608 ✭✭✭worded


    How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb ?


    .

    .

    .


    .


    .

    .

    .

    .


    Answer = 1


    But the bulb has got to want to change .....


  • #54
    I'm a Psychologist, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 25 Verified rep ✭I'm a Psychologist, AMA


    minikin wrote: »
    Sure while you’re here... have you thoughts on the group psychology of an anonymous online forum?

    How some people might feel more free to say what they really feel / look for reward by supporting or opposing a view they may not necessarily hold / vent their offline frustrations / seek to express themselves creatively in a way they would not offline, where they may be more accountable and their thoughts seen as non-conformist / is the power dynamic of group-think stifling for those we may do well to listen to / what’s the psychological reward for moderators?
    Is social media social at all? Is it good for us and for society?

    (A quick 25,000 word thesis by 4th January will suffice, hard back x 2 copies, I’ll p.m. postal address)
    T.l.d.r. : What do you think of people’s behaviour on here?

    I've actually been interested in this for a really long time, and wanted to do some proper research into it, but I've never had time. I do suspect that certain personality traits get drawn out by online forums (said with the full knowledge that I'm starring in a completely egocentric thread!).

    I have found that when my life is full and happy, I spend a lot less time on boards and similar. I don't get as much from it. But at times where I'm perhaps lonely or sad or struggling with a gap in my life in some way, boards has been a lifeline and I have posted a lot. I wonder if that holds true for other people? The 'gap' gets filled by interactions with people here.

    I have noticed that there has been a shift over the past few years on boards that reflects general political trends. Previously moderate posters seem to have shifted strongly one way or other and become more vocal about it. I think it must be very reinforcing to be considered "wise" or have your posts thanked a lot, and I think for some people, they seem to have taken that to heart in a bit of an extreme way and started believing their own hype. This had led to the more extreme positions being declared, because they think they will get support for it (and they often do). But it's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation: Did they hold the views and then feel comfortable expressing them, or did they express the views because they knew it would be popular?

    In terms of psychology, there's a lot of things at play. Anonymity can allow people to be vulnerable and reveal private parts of themselves, both good and bad, But after a username gets recognisable, how much does that change the perception of anonymity? You'll start to associate names with positions in the same way you would with faces in real life. Group dynamics can't be ignored either. If you identify with, let's say, the "left" or the "right" politically, you'll want to take that side in debates, and it's easy to get swept along with what the others in your group are doing. If they're being respectful, open, compassionate and understanding, you likely will too. If they're being rude, aggressive, disrespectful, and not listening, then that's probably how you'll behave.

    I'm running the risk of actually writing that thesis, so I'll stop with this answer here! There's a interesting review of some studies about the impact of anonymity on behaviour here, if you want to read a bit more (it's not specific to the online world, though).
    handlemaster wrote: »
    OP what drove you into the field of studies ? Was there a particular event in your early development that influenced your career choice ? If so have you found closure ?

    I didn't have any major trauma or anything, if that's what you're asking. From a really young age I'd been interested in hearing other people's problems. I think I'm just really bloody nosy, actually! Then - and this might sound daft - it was Derren Brown who got me thinking about studying psychology properly. I was so fascinated by his early stuff on Channel 4. But I didn't take a direct route to where I am. I tried psychology, decided I didn't like it and dropped it. I didn't go back for a few years, and even then I've wobbled a few times about my career direction.

    I'd actually be against people going into psychology at a career with any significant unresolved issues. I've seen it happen a lot, and I think it's got the potential to be quite damaging to both yourself and potentially the clients you work with.
    blackcard wrote: »
    1 Do you think it would benefit everyone to see a psychologist?
    2 I have heard it said that the children of psychologists can be impacted by their parents trying to act as psychologists rather than parents. Do you have an opinion on this?

    My answer is going to sound like I'm trying to drum up business, but yes, I absolutely think it would be helpful for pretty much everyone. Anything that you can do to gain some insight into yourself is useful because it can positively impact everything in your life when you understand yourself more clearly (I think, anyway).

    I certainly wouldn't be surprised if your second question was true. I also don't see what's overtly bad about that. I think sometimes I put on my 'psychology' hat in all of my relationships if it will be helpful.

    One drawback I do see is that you see some pretty grim and sad sides to human behaviour in this field, and there's a risk you'd watch your children too closely. I think I'd worry about so many more things that might be wrong with a child than an average parent would, because I've seen so many of them. Same as a medical doctor, I suppose.


  • #55
    Tell me how
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,932 ✭✭✭✭Tell me how


    There is a perception amongst some people that for many, prisons are a part of life and that when inside, it is easy, they have their friends, entertainment, security, etc.

    There is a perception amongst others that the penal system doesn't lead to rehabilitation but enforces the sense that people cannot/will not change leading to individuals with multiple convictions who carry on breaking the law with impunity.

    What do you think is the best way to balance the need for punishment for committing a crime with minimising the likelihood of re-offending?


  • #56
    I'm a Psychologist, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 25 Verified rep ✭I'm a Psychologist, AMA


    Purgative wrote: »
    Oh thank the baby bejesus. Have to say really enjoying the AMA

    What about Zimbardo - is that "pop froth" too - just curious really as I enjoyed the book.

    Thanks!

    Zimbardo is a pretty controversial figure these days. His methodologies for the Stanford Prison Experiment where very flawed and the whole thing was ethically dubious. But he has done a lot of good work too, and he has a long and distinguished career so I'd imagine his books are pretty well researched and evidenced.
    cordy1969 wrote: »
    Do you think there will ever be a cure for the Socialist Snowflake?

    Can't say I've come across that term in the textbooks.

    I can only advise you to use compassion, warmth, openness and kindness when talking to somebody with whom you disagree. Using dehumanising language definitely isn't helpful to anybody, no matter how much you disagree with them.
    Mountainsandh wrote: »
    what do you think of the mindfulness craze ?
    (thanks for the AMA)

    I quite like mindfulness, but I'm not very good at meditating! I use it if I can't sleep, which is apparently wrong :o.

    I suppose it depends on what exactly you mean too. Do you mean brief mindfulness meditations or the act of being mindful all the time? In the second case, mindfulness is really another word for insight: insight into yourself, into how what you're doing may impact on other people, how they might then feel etc. I think it's a good skill to practice.


  • #57
    I'm a Psychologist, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 25 Verified rep ✭I'm a Psychologist, AMA


    Kuva wrote: »
    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057920126

    Now ye're talking - to a Helpline Volunteer


    Did you read that?

    What do you think of his - to parapharse "I'll just stay on the phone here while you kill yourself because you told me you've tried to get help, nothings worked and you've had enough" answer??

    I read it, and I anticipated this question.

    Suicide is enormously complex. It's not like you're on a diet and you tell someone you're going to eat a chocolate bar and they can talk you out of it. As has been suggested, it's not my place to comment on another AMA, so all I'll say is I'm quite sure that that person is doing the absolute best that they can with the resources available to them.

    So many people with mental health issues feel that they're never listened to or never heard. They bounce from professional to professional, given this tablet or that treatment, and they never feel heard. Having someone say "Okay, I'm here, I'm listening" might be the most powerful thing someone could do.
    begbysback wrote: »
    So which comes first, the thoughts or the feelins? :D

    Have you ever suggested spiritual treatment for a mental issue?

    How much an hour do you charge?

    As a psychologist, whats your thoughts on the impact of media these days, particularly in the area of criminality - as earlier you stated treating an offender who seemed to be of sound nature, yet the media, as usual, seem to portray monsters for the sake of selling newspapers - what road does this bring society down?

    My favourite saying is reportedly from Confucius - "He who chases 2 rabbits catches neither" - whats yours, and do you find yourself paraphrasing a lot when treating, or do you stick to one direct line?

    Have you ever had to stop treating a patient because they were either just, too intelligent, too incompetent, too far gone?

    It's a cycle!

    20140225-184617.jpg?w=663

    Probably the thoughts come first, but you might actually notice the feelings first. Ever noticed you're in a bad mood but you're not sure why?

    I've never recommended a spiritual approach, no. I'm not sure of any evidence-based ones so it wouldn't be a route I'd personally go down. If a person held religious views, I might suggest seeking support from the relevant church, if appropriate.

    I work in the public sector, so I don't have an hourly rate :).

    I think the media can be, and often are, a helpful resource. I just really wish they'd be politically neutral, and I ideally wish they weren't motivated by sales and profit.

    The saying that jumps to mind for me is "Wherever you go, there you are", meaning that no matter what you change externally, you'll still be the exact same person unless you change something internally.

    I've never had to stop treating someone for the reasons you've outlined, no. Often, given the pressures of the public health service, I can only offer X number of sessions so I will stop after that. If someone seems like they're really benefitting and could use some more, I have the discretion to keep seeing them for a while, but usually we're only there to teach people the skills they need and then let them apply them by themselves.
    worded wrote: »
    How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb ?


    Answer = 1


    But the bulb had got to want to change .....

    Ah yes, but we can use some motivational interviewing to get it to the point where it wants to change ;).


  • #58
    Tell me how
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,932 ✭✭✭✭Tell me how


    In terms of your experience with private 1 to 1 patients.

    1 - is there a risk that some psychologists could become too invested in their wish to help someone or do they need a certain level of apathy to be able to switch off once the session is over?

    2 - Do you ever find that patients aren't willing to identify/discuss the elephant in the room? Whatever that might be.

    Also,
    3 - Do your friends expect you to bring your skills in to discussing why he/she doesn't like them or treats them in a particular way? Or do you ever bite your tongue because to say something might hurt a friend?


  • #59
    I'm a Psychologist, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 25 Verified rep ✭I'm a Psychologist, AMA


    Tell me how wrote: »
    There is a perception amongst some people that for many, prisons are a part of life and that when inside, it is easy, they have their friends, entertainment, security, etc.

    There is a perception amongst others that the penal system doesn't lead to rehabilitation but enforces the sense that people cannot/will not change leading to individuals with multiple convictions who carry on breaking the law with impunity.

    What do you think is the best way to balance the need for punishment for committing a crime with minimising the likelihood of re-offending?

    I think I've mentioned this in a previous post, but the emphasis needs to be on rehabilitation, not punishment. If someone goes out of prison the exact same person as when they went in, of course they're going to continue committing crimes. I'm not sure to what degree rehabilitation is offered within a prison, but I'd like to see an approach of "Right, we've got a captive audience, let's teach them as much as we can". I think a combination of formal education and life skills teaching, coupled with psychological assessment and intervention, would be best. Letting someone rot in a prison cell with no intellectual stimulation, even if they have a TV or a playstation, isn't helping anyone. They come out and they're just as poor and unskilled as they were going in, but now with almost no chances of getting a job to boot.

    Thinking about it logically, when society totally rejects you, what options do you have apart from crime? And when you've been so thoroughly rejected, why would you care about hurting other people?
    Tell me how wrote: »
    In terms of your experience with private 1 to 1 patients.

    1 - is there a risk that some psychologists could become too invested in their wish to help someone or do they need a certain level of apathy to be able to switch off once the session is over?

    2 - Do you ever find that patients aren't willing to identify/discuss the elephant in the room? Whatever that might be.

    Also,
    3 - Do your friends expect you to bring your skills in to discussing why he/she doesn't like them or treats them in a particular way? Or do you ever bite your tongue because to say something might hurt a friend?

    1. Oh yeah, that's a real risk. Sometimes you really like someone, or personally identify with them and you need to be mindful that it's easy to become too pushy or directive. Personally, I've had to try to put firm boundaries in, like sticking to session times no matter what. But in some cases, you just can't help yourself thinking of them after a session ends. Then it's something to discuss in supervision, because that suggests it's something inside you, the therapist, that needs addressing.

    2. Yeah, there's always people who just can't get to the point of opening up. Sometimes group therapy is good for that, because hearing from other people can be really powerful. This is especially true for me - research suggests they have better outcomes from group therapy with other men than 1:1 therapy.

    3. It's never explicitly asked for, but I have been in a situation where I allowed myself act as a therapist to someone, and they kept trying to put me in that position in the future. Eventually, I had to directly say "I'm not comfortable with this and I can't engage in this conversation any more. It's not my place, and there's a risk I'll say something you don't like and that will damage our relationship". They took it really well, thankfully.


  • #60
    minikin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,980 ✭✭✭minikin


    I'm a Psychologist, AMA wrote: »
    I've actually been interested in this for a really long time, and wanted to do some proper research into it, but I've never had time. I do suspect that certain personality traits get drawn out by online forums (said with the full knowledge that I'm starring in a completely egocentric thread!).

    I have found that when my life is full and happy, I spend a lot less time on boards and similar. I don't get as much from it. But at times where I'm perhaps lonely or sad or struggling with a gap in my life in some way, boards has been a lifeline and I have posted a lot. I wonder if that holds true for other people? The 'gap' gets filled by interactions with people here.

    I have noticed that there has been a shift over the past few years on boards that reflects general political trends. Previously moderate posters seem to have shifted strongly one way or other and become more vocal about it. I think it must be very reinforcing to be considered "wise" or have your posts thanked a lot, and I think for some people, they seem to have taken that to heart in a bit of an extreme way and started believing their own hype. This had led to the more extreme positions being declared, because they think they will get support for it (and they often do). But it's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation: Did they hold the views and then feel comfortable expressing them, or did they express the views because they knew it would be popular?

    In terms of psychology, there's a lot of things at play. Anonymity can allow people to be vulnerable and reveal private parts of themselves, both good and bad, But after a username gets recognisable, how much does that change the perception of anonymity? You'll start to associate names with positions in the same way you would with faces in real life. Group dynamics can't be ignored either. If you identify with, let's say, the "left" or the "right" politically, you'll want to take that side in debates, and it's easy to get swept along with what the others in your group are doing. If they're being respectful, open, compassionate and understanding, you likely will too. If they're being rude, aggressive, disrespectful, and not listening, then that's probably how you'll behave.

    I'm running the risk of actually writing that thesis, so I'll stop with this answer here! There's a interesting review of some studies about the impact of anonymity on behaviour here, if you want to read a bit more (it's not specific to the online world, though).

    Thanks for the brilliant response and the link, you're a credit to boards!


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  • #61
    seannash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,672 ✭✭✭seannash


    Do you feel that teenagers and young adults are quick to grasp onto a mental illness as some sort of identity rather than actually suffering from it.


    I find a lot of teenagers/Young adults expressing that they have social anxiety or depression but may be using it as an excuse for not wanting to or not liking something.
    I've heard reports of younger people starting in jobs who are afraid of interacting with people whether it be on the phone or in person and instead of saying they are nervous about messing up they say they have social anxiety.


    I guess what I'm asking is do you see many cases which aren't actually an issue.
    In my own opinion social media seems to be such an empty voice for supporting a cause these days.

    People seem to post up a picture and that's it. No actual action is taken. I find it terribly fake


This discussion has been closed.
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