[pegasus]

Just wondering. Are professionals allowed here? Doctors, psychologists etc? I always thought that they weren't allowed here in a professional capacity unless they had checked with DocJohn first? It just feels a little unsafe to have professionals here promoting their blog, website etc... Please forgive me if I am wrong in bringing this up...

[LadyShadow]

You know I'm not sure if they are Pegasus. But you do raise a good point. I would like to see a professional post in these forums to see what they think. I'm not sure it is allowed or not, but I would welcome it

Thank you for bringing this up

[Tamster]

i havent looked do we have that problem??

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by pegasus

Just wondering. Are professionals allowed here? Doctors, psychologists etc? I always thought that they weren't allowed here in a professional capacity unless they had checked with DocJohn first? It just feels a little unsafe to have professionals here promoting their blog, website etc... Please forgive me if I am wrong in bringing this up...

Peg, my understanding is that professionals are allowed at PC the same as anyone else. They are welcome to come to find support like others. Afterall, there's a mental health professionals social group and forum. I don't believe they are allowed to promote their own services or do research. As far as I know professionals are NOT allowed to be here in a professional capacity. If you saw such a post, you could report it.

I responded before I saw there were any replies. PlatniumHeart, I am a professional, but do not come here in a professional capacity. I come for support, to offer support and socialize with other members. Frankly, I'm drained by the end of the day at work. I have no interest in coming to PC and continuing to work.

[pegasus]

I know it's against guidelines to bring up specific members so I am trying to keep this question as a general one. What if the professional is promoting on their profile page or in their sig?

I am not sure about that one Pegs, Maybe DocJohn will tell us that. As for professionals I am ok with it myself as long as they don't harass us.

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by pegasus

I know it's against guidelines to bring up specific members so I am trying to keep this question as a general one. What if the professional is promoting on their profile page or in their sig?

Peg, if you have concerns I'd report the post/sig.

Buttercup, IMHO, anyone who harasses another member should be reported.

[LadyShadow]

I see what you mean now Pegasus. I saw the person post. I am wondering about it too. Ask DocJohn what he thinks, personally I don't see the harm in it, but the advertising is a little much

Originally Posted by lizardlady

Peg, if you have concerns I'd report the post/sig.

Buttercup, IMHO, anyone who harasses another member should be reported.

I agree Lizard, I meant by the professionals because sometimes they want to do research ETC.

[pegasus]

I'm interested to know what the general rule is on this issue as professionals do pop up from time to time. Of course I understand professionals need support too but I am concerned if they are coming here just to promote their service, blog, book etc or if they are here to do research... lab rats are us. If professionals need support, I am very happy to help/support where I can but not if they are here for business purposes.

[DocJohn]

Yes, mental health professionals are people, and yes they are welcomed to come here to give and get support. That's always been our policy and it hasn't changed in 12 years. We only ask that professionals try not to speak as a professional but as just another person looking to give someone support. If they are here to get support for themselves, that's perfectly cool too. Thanks,

DocJohn

[growlycat]

I like the policy.

Originally Posted by growlycat

I like the policy.

Especially if they add something profound when making comments, you know, just as "another person."

Agree with last two posters...I have noted them here and there from time to time.

Definitely not a "problem" as someone put it; nor have their insights into many here proved to be anything other than beneficial; helpful, (at least for me they have been!), and I really enjoy reading them.

...I have for some time considered it a "perk" for the site. I have been noticing them for the past two years. They may have been here before that, but back then I was too self involved to notice others as I now do...I have been aided in my growth here by this "perk"!

I am glad they are here. I am thankful they come here; and have a place to come to where they (as human as any of us!) are supported as well....One and all of them are not only friendly, with great humor; but kind hearted; and more than welcome here from my point of view!

I wish to express my gratitude to all of them!
Great policy! Thanks Doc!..

I honestly don't have a problem with them being here too, I think it's great
Since that I have started therapy I have noticed 2 or 3 therapists here and I think it is great, They give good feedback

[pegasus]

Originally Posted by DocJohn

Yes, mental health professionals are people, and yes they are welcomed to come here to give and get support. That's always been our policy and it hasn't changed in 12 years. We only ask that professionals try not to speak as a professional but as just another person looking to give someone support. If they are here to get support for themselves, that's perfectly cool too. Thanks,

DocJohn

Oh ok, I was misinformed about this many years ago. Glad I asked the question here. Thank you for the reply.

[pachyderm]

Originally Posted by DocJohn

Yes, mental health professionals are people...

OMG!

I would never have known...

[lizardlady]

I would like to thank everyone for the way they responded to this thread. DocJohn is right, we are people too! Thanks for accepting that!