I was reading/participating in a thread recently where the discussion began focusing on the giving of advice. These posts were very interesting in that both participants had formal psych education/training (and am assuming both suffer from mental illness(es)).

As the discussion progressed, it came to a point where the question was raised as to whether one or the other were (or had begun) psychoanalyizing the "member" to which they were responding to.

This, I found, to be a very interesting subject!! I realize that we are not allowed to psychoanalyze each other on this site - only support and provide suggestions - but, how does one KNOW when that line is being crossed?

How can one discount acquired knowledge and not let it affect one's response, even when just relating to others' personal experiences/situations through that knowledge? If you have the background knowledge AND the theraputic techniques to practice a more balanced life AND IT WORKS, how do you not share all this info?

Is it just a matter of NOT telling someone you have "expert" (or rather, formal) knowledge when you give your opinion, even if you have or have not had the same experience?

I know that I have responded to an individual's post wherein I did not have the personal experience, but did have some formal psych knowledge (based on current/popular research studies, etc.) and thus commented. I did, however, have to analyze what he was saying, much like a therapist would - objectively - and give him my opinion, again, much like a therapist would - objectively. Was I wrong to do this? If I think I have relevant information to help someone here, do I not provide it?

When one responds to a post with: "I think you may be...," or "I read somewhere...," isn't one, essentially, psychoanalyzing (regardless of degree of knowledge/experience)?

If we are all here (on this site in search of help), are we not already psychoanalyzing ourselves? And, when we respond with advice, psychoanalyzing each other (albeit based on our own level of knowledge and/or intelligence)?

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO SHUT UP??

A big part of the reason I participate in these forums is because of the vast knowledge that can be found here! I may be a little biased here, but being psychoanalytical in nature and having great interest in pshychology as well, I tend to gravitate toward those who can provide a broader spectrum to their opionions by using their formal knowledge and expressing it. After all, I can't get everything out of my therapist and I certainly don't believe that there is no one of intelligence here that can't provide me with some "expert" knowledge. After all, people in this business can be crazy, too!

And of the differences between "schools of thought," well, that just a whole other can of worms, isn't it?

I would really like to know exactly where the line is? Anyone know?

Can I even discuss this subject??

Altered State