I think it has merit because it's very easy to go to therapy and get stuck on some more external stuff going on that it really masking deeper issues....but it often takes time to move through things. My T has taken a tough love stance before that thoroughly hurt and pissed me off BUT looking back, it was the best thing he did for me because I have real issues that we have been focusing in on ever since. I don't think people consciously try to be "whiners" or "crybabies" so the language used in the article is pretty insensitive IMO. I think it sets up the professionals to start taking a negative view of their clients which does no good.

It's a delicate balance and dependent on the client and his/her unique issues.

I also do not agree with terminating a client by saying come back when you're ready to "do the work" and believe this stance says much more about the therapist than the client.