I wonder, all of the time, how do men and women and people in general make it through life without psychotherapy. I don't want to sound conceited or overly focused, or any of those other non fun things... but really. There are so many difficulties one experiences in life, that even if you had a good time in therapy and are pretty healthy, life if hard.
Does that mean some of us are more vulnerable to mental health problems/challenges/difficulties/conundrums. Or that some of us (like me?) just want some perfect reality. Just kidding.
Seriously though - people have been living for a long long, long time and yet there has only been therapy for the last 100 years or so. There must be other ways to get by, and maybe this is just one of the newer tools to make our lives better.
tired yet?
=)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
The wild river of psychoanalysis
Dear blogger -
There is an interesting idea I've been contemplating for a while and I think I have enough relevant insight into to discuss it in this forum.
The idea is the multiple perspectives of psychotherapy. Since the age of Freud psychotherapy has been organized by concepts that hailed from various groups of people, or schools. In each group or category certain members agreed (or disagreed) about the types of concepts they were looking for in the human personality, and with these concepts in mind they pursued psychotherapeutic treatment of a person. In other words, when you know what you are looking for you can find it. This, in fact, is a major criticism of all the analytic/psychodynamic therapies. That the influence of the therapist's training is too strong on the outcome of the therapy. And probably one of the major motivations towards a "non-clinical" or at least "non-clinician" oriented manual based therapy of the modern age.
The new world idea is to take everything we have learned from the therapists systemize it and create one uniform system that works unanimously. How beautiful! The tough part it - you only have to visit one local chain store or restaurant to know that the fanciful messages, displays, and other hoopla don't really mean that much when the employees are rushing around carelessly and delivering perfectly planned but often poorly executed service. In other words although our nation seems determined to systematize and regulate every little thing, there are many wonderful elements of human life that cannot be contained in this way.
The other alternative is to continuously educate oneself, to know one's background and biases, and to always seek to improve one's education and point of view. Perhaps because that is such a tasking process that many of us would rather rely on these "okay-enough" national chains to do our bidding. I would like to say that there is nothing inherently wrong with chain businesses - many great things come from well organized systems (google is one example). However, the everpresent challenge is the molding and flexibility of these systems with the surrounding environment. You can see this in nature in ubiquity. Every species has a determined (genetically) life pattern that is then adapted to the circumstances. Over time the system itself changes (if you believe in evolution).
Same in psychotherapy, all the points of view that we now know are biased, are actually useful, as long as we are willing to apply them conscientiously and with care. Trusting that we are doing our best to be flexible, understanding, and self-aware!
wow, that was a lot of writing =)
There is an interesting idea I've been contemplating for a while and I think I have enough relevant insight into to discuss it in this forum.
The idea is the multiple perspectives of psychotherapy. Since the age of Freud psychotherapy has been organized by concepts that hailed from various groups of people, or schools. In each group or category certain members agreed (or disagreed) about the types of concepts they were looking for in the human personality, and with these concepts in mind they pursued psychotherapeutic treatment of a person. In other words, when you know what you are looking for you can find it. This, in fact, is a major criticism of all the analytic/psychodynamic therapies. That the influence of the therapist's training is too strong on the outcome of the therapy. And probably one of the major motivations towards a "non-clinical" or at least "non-clinician" oriented manual based therapy of the modern age.
The new world idea is to take everything we have learned from the therapists systemize it and create one uniform system that works unanimously. How beautiful! The tough part it - you only have to visit one local chain store or restaurant to know that the fanciful messages, displays, and other hoopla don't really mean that much when the employees are rushing around carelessly and delivering perfectly planned but often poorly executed service. In other words although our nation seems determined to systematize and regulate every little thing, there are many wonderful elements of human life that cannot be contained in this way.
The other alternative is to continuously educate oneself, to know one's background and biases, and to always seek to improve one's education and point of view. Perhaps because that is such a tasking process that many of us would rather rely on these "okay-enough" national chains to do our bidding. I would like to say that there is nothing inherently wrong with chain businesses - many great things come from well organized systems (google is one example). However, the everpresent challenge is the molding and flexibility of these systems with the surrounding environment. You can see this in nature in ubiquity. Every species has a determined (genetically) life pattern that is then adapted to the circumstances. Over time the system itself changes (if you believe in evolution).
Same in psychotherapy, all the points of view that we now know are biased, are actually useful, as long as we are willing to apply them conscientiously and with care. Trusting that we are doing our best to be flexible, understanding, and self-aware!
wow, that was a lot of writing =)
Friday, November 2, 2007
Built on words
Dear blog reader:
in this entry I would like to oultine, what I think, is a new revolutionary synthesization of ideas, actions, and all such business activity!!
In essence I have been asking myself recently - what is it that people have been trying to achieve through revolutions, destructions, creations of new things, and overall renaissance periods? Of course these ideas are complicated, forgive me for selecting one meaning and going with it >
I think the american population of today is often looking for self empowerment, self directed change, along with stability and comfort. In other words there are many people out there who are not satisfied with the social systems we live in. The world bank, the american economy, political regimes, these are all regulating systems that surround us. Not to say that they aren't helpful, of course. The point that I think many people consider is the rather strong resistance to change that all of these "conglomerates of actions and ideas" entail.
Since this is a blog about psychotherapy and related processess, I think it is relevant to consider how or why this change happens or doesn't happen. Aks yourself this question - if you have been doing something for a long time and it doesn't always work for you (in fact creates conflict with other groups and people) do you want to change the way you do it? The thing is, in an ideal world we all would -- everyone, I think, somewhere inside desires to have tranquility comradery etc. The tougher question is - if you have never seen it or experienced it how do you get there?
That my friends is the question/demand/and destiny of the superdynamic way of thinking!
(thats just a rough big grandiose way of saying this blog focuses on answering that question =)
later 0:)
in this entry I would like to oultine, what I think, is a new revolutionary synthesization of ideas, actions, and all such business activity!!
In essence I have been asking myself recently - what is it that people have been trying to achieve through revolutions, destructions, creations of new things, and overall renaissance periods? Of course these ideas are complicated, forgive me for selecting one meaning and going with it >
I think the american population of today is often looking for self empowerment, self directed change, along with stability and comfort. In other words there are many people out there who are not satisfied with the social systems we live in. The world bank, the american economy, political regimes, these are all regulating systems that surround us. Not to say that they aren't helpful, of course. The point that I think many people consider is the rather strong resistance to change that all of these "conglomerates of actions and ideas" entail.
Since this is a blog about psychotherapy and related processess, I think it is relevant to consider how or why this change happens or doesn't happen. Aks yourself this question - if you have been doing something for a long time and it doesn't always work for you (in fact creates conflict with other groups and people) do you want to change the way you do it? The thing is, in an ideal world we all would -- everyone, I think, somewhere inside desires to have tranquility comradery etc. The tougher question is - if you have never seen it or experienced it how do you get there?
That my friends is the question/demand/and destiny of the superdynamic way of thinking!
(thats just a rough big grandiose way of saying this blog focuses on answering that question =)
later 0:)
Saturday, October 27, 2007
dear reader
I have chosen to try using Adsense on this website, so that I may make some revenue from advertised products related to psychology.
It was a long debate inside of me, whether or not I should commit to this program and what ramifications it may have no my web site.
The way I see it:
pros I'll probably want to write more since there is more incentive to develop the topics I discuss
cons you'll probably consider me a slightly hypocritical - I often talk about the dangers of supporting worldwide/local advertisements for organizations that often do things I personally do not approve of ( for example inadvertent destruction of the environment ).
However - there is a chance that this Adsense program may prove to be beneficial. Let's call this a test.
I mean after all, we are living in a complex world where we must deal everyday with people, ideas, and ideologies that we don't like, that do not make sense to us, and so on and so forth. The goal is, I think, to openly communicate with such people/ideas/ideologies to the greatest extent possible, to figure out whether we can arrive at a fruitful compromise.
In some ways - my decision is this type of communicative action in progress.
peace.
It was a long debate inside of me, whether or not I should commit to this program and what ramifications it may have no my web site.
The way I see it:
pros I'll probably want to write more since there is more incentive to develop the topics I discuss
cons you'll probably consider me a slightly hypocritical - I often talk about the dangers of supporting worldwide/local advertisements for organizations that often do things I personally do not approve of ( for example inadvertent destruction of the environment ).
However - there is a chance that this Adsense program may prove to be beneficial. Let's call this a test.
I mean after all, we are living in a complex world where we must deal everyday with people, ideas, and ideologies that we don't like, that do not make sense to us, and so on and so forth. The goal is, I think, to openly communicate with such people/ideas/ideologies to the greatest extent possible, to figure out whether we can arrive at a fruitful compromise.
In some ways - my decision is this type of communicative action in progress.
peace.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
psychology up front
As usual - I have spent some thought on the efficacy and method of action of psychotherapy.
I was hanging out with my friends lately and I noticed that some of them do not really recongize psychological issues the way my colleagues and I usually do. For example, most people I know that are not employed as psychotherapists think of psychology in some type of surface-like statements:
1. It affects how you think right?
2. You recognize colors and sounds with different parts of your brain.
3. It matters if you were the baby in the family.
4. "He/she is obsessive-compulsive, bi-polar, etc."
5. And on and on.
The interesting thing is that some of these opinions/ideas actually carry a bit of accuracy in them. Psychology does affect the way we think, and the brain has complicated ways to recognize colors and sound, and the experience of being the youngest sibling is also significant.
However, what I am really curious about is the fact that feelings, internal experience, and in-depth questioning of meaning and being are not usually considered under the headers of psychology.
Is this because of the way most of us learn about psych - in a university class that requires small psych experiments, magazines like Newsweek and Time, or the news? I strongly believe this is true - most people that have had exposure to the real depth of psychodynamic psychology can appreciate many more elements of this part of human existence.
I think what I'm really curious about - how can we make this kind of exposure more widespread - how can the knowledge that psychotherapists consider the bread and butter be more well known throughout the population. And perhaps more importantly - would this actually be beneficial, and is it more relevant/pressing than other types of knowledge - religion, science, etc?
All in all - I think we have to keep on learning throughout our life, in many different subjects and settings. Deep psychology should be part of that learning.
right? =)
I was hanging out with my friends lately and I noticed that some of them do not really recongize psychological issues the way my colleagues and I usually do. For example, most people I know that are not employed as psychotherapists think of psychology in some type of surface-like statements:
1. It affects how you think right?
2. You recognize colors and sounds with different parts of your brain.
3. It matters if you were the baby in the family.
4. "He/she is obsessive-compulsive, bi-polar, etc."
5. And on and on.
The interesting thing is that some of these opinions/ideas actually carry a bit of accuracy in them. Psychology does affect the way we think, and the brain has complicated ways to recognize colors and sound, and the experience of being the youngest sibling is also significant.
However, what I am really curious about is the fact that feelings, internal experience, and in-depth questioning of meaning and being are not usually considered under the headers of psychology.
Is this because of the way most of us learn about psych - in a university class that requires small psych experiments, magazines like Newsweek and Time, or the news? I strongly believe this is true - most people that have had exposure to the real depth of psychodynamic psychology can appreciate many more elements of this part of human existence.
I think what I'm really curious about - how can we make this kind of exposure more widespread - how can the knowledge that psychotherapists consider the bread and butter be more well known throughout the population. And perhaps more importantly - would this actually be beneficial, and is it more relevant/pressing than other types of knowledge - religion, science, etc?
All in all - I think we have to keep on learning throughout our life, in many different subjects and settings. Deep psychology should be part of that learning.
right? =)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
FReak oF natuRe
Dear reader:-:
has it ever struck you that reading blogs is like reading someone's conscious public mind - I mean do most people write things that they are unconscious of, does the blog space permit information that is free-flowing and not full of restrictive filters which we all have to use to live day in day out?
I'm just curious, because to be honest with you, it seems that the blogosphere has encouraged more sharing of personal information, more public display of thoughts, fears, wishes, etc. But in what form are we reporting this information - do our pictures, stories, jokes, whatever, betray our intimate memories thoughts and fantasies? I sometimes think they do - and sometimes they dont.
I've been reading a good deal of psychotherapy blogs in the recent months, and what I have noticed are somewhat dry, though well written and informative, thoughts on paper. What does this mean about the online, text, email universe? Does it permit one access to another person's inner being?!
Maybe that is not the point, or that is not required in all communication. Surely this is true. However, does it not seem funny that even our most emberassing moments told on paper do not compare to the actual experience of the event. Maybe in some way the written communication serves as a better, more articulated version of story; or an elaboration of one side of what happened.
But in essence - can a real even ever be described accurately? The whole of human experience, which may include sight, sound, smell, taste, thought, emotion, bodily sensation, how can we convey this information to each other? A good deal of it is missed in casual conversation. However, when we focus our attention on it - much more can be revealed.
So my question to you faithful reader - what is it that we are trying to focus on in this blogspace? I sometimes think this is a private room where I can spill out the recent psychology-related thoughts I've been having. However, in truth, I hardly ever write the actual epiphonies that happen to me>> partly because they are hard to translate onto paper.
So what can I say for myself- well I think this is a nice forum to present some preliminary ideas, to get out my thoughts that some of you may comment on. I am not sure if this is a thought forum or a place to read one's ideas.
In either case, I'm happy that you are reading and travelling along with me.
much thanks, AfroBside
has it ever struck you that reading blogs is like reading someone's conscious public mind - I mean do most people write things that they are unconscious of, does the blog space permit information that is free-flowing and not full of restrictive filters which we all have to use to live day in day out?
I'm just curious, because to be honest with you, it seems that the blogosphere has encouraged more sharing of personal information, more public display of thoughts, fears, wishes, etc. But in what form are we reporting this information - do our pictures, stories, jokes, whatever, betray our intimate memories thoughts and fantasies? I sometimes think they do - and sometimes they dont.
I've been reading a good deal of psychotherapy blogs in the recent months, and what I have noticed are somewhat dry, though well written and informative, thoughts on paper. What does this mean about the online, text, email universe? Does it permit one access to another person's inner being?!
Maybe that is not the point, or that is not required in all communication. Surely this is true. However, does it not seem funny that even our most emberassing moments told on paper do not compare to the actual experience of the event. Maybe in some way the written communication serves as a better, more articulated version of story; or an elaboration of one side of what happened.
But in essence - can a real even ever be described accurately? The whole of human experience, which may include sight, sound, smell, taste, thought, emotion, bodily sensation, how can we convey this information to each other? A good deal of it is missed in casual conversation. However, when we focus our attention on it - much more can be revealed.
So my question to you faithful reader - what is it that we are trying to focus on in this blogspace? I sometimes think this is a private room where I can spill out the recent psychology-related thoughts I've been having. However, in truth, I hardly ever write the actual epiphonies that happen to me>> partly because they are hard to translate onto paper.
So what can I say for myself- well I think this is a nice forum to present some preliminary ideas, to get out my thoughts that some of you may comment on. I am not sure if this is a thought forum or a place to read one's ideas.
In either case, I'm happy that you are reading and travelling along with me.
much thanks, AfroBside
Thursday, August 30, 2007
superdynamic funkalicious group learning
what is it? how do we get started? and where is the possible destination?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to understand the way others think? I mean really understand, ...so that you could talk to them without thinking, wow he/she is crazy! Or what about the vast differences in social groups such as business people, sociologists, you know random guys, and everyone else, has it ever come to mind that there is a reason people do not get a long?
What I'm trying to tell you is that psychoeducation could balance some of these things out.
what is psychoEd first of all : 1. learning that takes place outside of the therapy consulting room 2. interesting group work that helps people get a sense of their own feelings and how others influence them 3. fun projects that get you to think about other people and yourself in totally different ways 4. damn it, I can't think of another example.
I want to explain this further, but I'll have to think of ways to relate it to daily life. Let me get back to you for the definition...
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to understand the way others think? I mean really understand, ...so that you could talk to them without thinking, wow he/she is crazy! Or what about the vast differences in social groups such as business people, sociologists, you know random guys, and everyone else, has it ever come to mind that there is a reason people do not get a long?
What I'm trying to tell you is that psychoeducation could balance some of these things out.
what is psychoEd first of all : 1. learning that takes place outside of the therapy consulting room 2. interesting group work that helps people get a sense of their own feelings and how others influence them 3. fun projects that get you to think about other people and yourself in totally different ways 4. damn it, I can't think of another example.
I want to explain this further, but I'll have to think of ways to relate it to daily life. Let me get back to you for the definition...
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