The fact is that training of various types will influence a person, even if they end up rebelling against that training. I met someone who was at the very founding of CBT and yet believed that because it fits into a certain model it was prematurely "manualized." So when he teaches it, he focuses on all sorts of things that are more knowledge and our perceptions of science before he even gets into the principles, let alone the technique. But he is a maverick and atypical. He is also vocally critical of the training as it exists and the other things that impinge on doctoral level training.

As far as thinking of credentials, I tend not to, but the training involved with becoming an analyst is significant and does often result in a degree even if that is not the primary purpose. This kind of total emersion in the process of 5-7 years of analytic training plus personal analysis is more like a testimony to a commitment regardless of the "professionalism" that is "acquired" by things like "credentials."

All I was trying to do is point out that at least with some people (and I'm not alone though it may still be atypical) that psychiatrists don't necessarily fall into the category of pill-pushing nerds. Yes, they have that training and are board certified in psychopharacology which takes lots of time to keep up with the latest developments, but with my past three analysts who were also psychiatrists they actively resented the push from companies and used it instead to acquire free samples for patients who might need the help without insurance to get started on a medication. I myself have been relatively medicine free, except for a sleeping pill and occasional use of anti-anxiety meds. The psychiatrists I've seen and others that I've talked to, while believing in medication, still like to see people off the medication and see what they are really like. I've encountered much deeper, richer, more humane understanding with psychiatrists than with any other type of therapist. So I just wanted to try to debunk the stereotype because though maybe my experience isn't typical, there are many patients seen by this steady group of analysts so I am by no means alone.