[(JD)]

With so many new members coming in, and many questioning some of the intentions of those with psychology backgrounds, what do you think regarding their disclosure of this information?

Can you allow for someone who might have been working in some field of psychology, now being here for personal reasons and not telling everyone about their background? Or do you feel that a "shrink" will analyze you no matter what?

I don't have any problem with a psychology professional being here as a member. I do appreciate that they disclose their credentials though, as I see that as being open and honest.

They are human too and could have problems also. Like there could be a time where, perhaps they can't see the "forest for the trees"... it often seems much easier to put oneself in someone else's place and see a solution clear as day --- but not be able to solve that which is in one's own life.

There are times when anyone could use a helping hand.... even a therapist. NO ONE knows all and is perfect.

I believe in diversity and acceptance.... as long as it doesn't harm any one.

thanks Sky for this thread--- I wish you well!

great point!

As a person who has been excluded, I believe in including everyone. T's have problems too, and maybe hearing us talk about our and our issues with therapy can help them.

[radio_flyer]

awwww geeeesh... I only voted so I could see the results, now I have to wait till it closes...... bummer....

I don't mind T's/shrinks being here... It would be considerate those who are T's to say they are....I don't like secrets... But , grins, who says all shrinks are "normal" .. They are prob just as crazy as the rest of us..... ok ...... T's are cool across the table and as long as I am not their client... ..... don't shoot me... lol....

welcome to all the T's.........

[gardenergirl]

Analyzing others who are not my clients sounds way too much like work. When I'm "off the clock", I take my "T" hat off and let my head air out.

And as far as I remember, no one has to have a diagosis or even a problem in living to be a member here. Yes, T's can have problems and even mental illness, too. I think that it's up to each person to disclose or not about themselves, why they chose to sign up here, what they're looking for, etc. No one is required to do this, as far as I know. Why should people in the mental health profession be any different?

gg

[nothemama8]

true Pdoc's and T's have problems but if they come here asking personal questions my radar goes up and I don't want to be looked at as a lab rat, I'm a mentally healthy person now but on bad days I don't want to be disected, I come here for support from my peers

[gardenergirl]

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nothemama8 said:
true Pdoc's and T's have problems but if they come here asking personal questions my radar goes up and I don't want to be looked at as a lab rat, I'm a mentally healthy person now but on bad days I don't want to be disected, I come here for support from my peers

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

I would not like to feel that way either. And I can't speak for other professionals who might come to this type of site, but for me, I have neither the desire nor energy to try to analyze or dissect the folks who post here. I'm sure there are times when a comment I make or a question I ask might sound more "T-like", but I think of that more as a function of my life experiences, which does include therapy. But there are certainly many folks here who are not in the profession who might make the same observation, offer the same information, or ask the same question. So I'm not usually aware of my "T" self when I read and post here.

I can't speak for any unconscious influences or motivations to my particpation here, but still...

But it's a common worry. When I told my inlaws I was going to grad school, the very first words out of my father-in-law's mouth were, "Are you analyzing me right now?" Um, how about I take some classes and then see what happens?

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

gg

[CompGeek]

I have discolsed this to some in the past I believe but if not I am a psych student and also an adolescent psych research assistant. I am a Psych major with a focus in clinical psychology primarily in adolescents... either way psychopathology is psychopathology for the most part. I don't think that any of the psychologists here are trying to hide the fact that they are psychologists but may just not feel that it is relevant. I don't know. With the whole notion of analyzing the memebers of the forum isn't that really what all of the members are doing? When you try to help someone you have to first figure out what there problem is. This is done at least by psychologists through analysis... it is like diagnosing a physiological disorder or a computer problem.. Before you can help you have to first understand it.... I don't know... This is just my opinion. I hope that it does not offend anyone... either way I just disclosed. Hopefully people will not be mad...

[nothemama8]

I for one come here for support and friendship, not to try to play
gardengirl you have supported so many here I know your not trying to shrink us out, please don't be offended , I didn't mean to make anyone upset, just had bad experiences in past

[gardenergirl]

I'm not offended. I know it's a real concern for some. Guess I just wanted to reassure.



gg

[Lexicon78]

I think as long as they're here for themselves and not the job then it's cool. I actually get offended when even psych students are here looking for info...I don't even read those posts.

I think everyone, T/pdoc or not, has the right to be here and to receive the same support as everyone else. It shouldn't be limited to just people without the degree. And I could care less if I know about their degree or not. I don't think it should be like a mandatory thing for them to tell us that they have that kind of education/experience/background.

I wouldn't want someone having to hide it or being forced to reveal it, either. I think if they want to reveal it, then that's fine. I just don't think it should be revealed or hidden through force, if ya know what I mean.

[CompGeek]

Not all psych students are looking for info... Some are just trying to help others...

[Merlin]

I personally think that a person can come here with whatever profession and choose to, or not to disclose what it is. If a person is a T or a pdoc, they can admit to it or not. The only time I think that it is necessary to disclose it is if the claim some sort of expertise. That being said, as we become more and more common with being here than we disclose more and more.

[Lexicon78]

Yeah, I know. I'm actually a psych student!

[radio_flyer]

I don't think anyone should be "required" to reveal information that they don't want to here...... But I do feel it was very considerate of shrinkjamie to tell us right away she is a T... That way we know where she is coming... I can't say therapists are on the top of my list as fav people, but I can say she earned my respect for being upfront and honest. I can say the same for Doc John, as he is upfront and has shown to be a real nice human being, for being a shrink... "hides under the table" lol I said something nice about shrinks... uh oh.....

[CompGeek]

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Lexicon78 said:
Yeah, I know. I'm actually a psych student!

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Wasn't trying to sound mean/angry... What is your focus in psych?

[sujunew]

IMO anyone should be able to come here, but if their focus is on 'helping' those of us who need it rather than being on the 'receiving end' of help, then they should be honest and upfront about their background just for the sake of trust and security for 'us'...

[jennie]

If you want support for yourself or want to give support to others, then I do not care who posts here.

Lurkers have their right to lurk. But I hope they respect the Psych Central mission and not use info here without consent of the original poster.

[maryquitecontrary]

A wonderful supervisor of mine once said: "when I am not in the office, I am not playing therapist. I tell my friends and family that I am coin-operated, and am not running when I am away rom the office. This helps them to know that I am not analyzing them, and that I am just being me....a human being, just like them".

I really like that saying, as I feel the same way. I truly am able to separate my personal and professional lives, and the two do not overlap. I am not here to analyze anyone, or treat anyone like a "lab rat", as someone stated. I am simply here to be of support, and to also have support for myself.

[JustBen]

I was a little worried about those boundaries when I started grad school, but I've been pleasantly surprised at how easy things have been. I have no desire or motivation to "shrink" when I'm off the clock.

When psych was just a hobby of mine, I used to analyze my friends and family. Over the past few years, though, the notion just never occurs to me. It's as if that part of my brain doesn't "light up" in my personal life.

I don't know why things happened that way, but thank goodness they did!

[Rapunzel]

Someone told me once that it can be rough having a roommate who is a psychology major, but what's really bad is having a roommate who has taken one psychology class.

Maybe the further along you get, and the more you learn, the less tempting it is to apply it inappropriately.

BTW, if any of you didn't already know, I was a psych major too, and now I'm a graduate student.

Rap

[Lexicon78]

Well, I'm going for my associate's degree in psychology right now. Then I want to go back to college for more...I'm planning on specializing in abuse.

[9874]

Lexicon, wuold you like to analyze me please? When I read your post about wanting to specialize in abuse, my reaction was, "I hate you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I do have to tell you how much I enjoy your posts, you come across as an intelligent, insightful, mature thinker. I had even considered setting up a meeting with you..... And now, this reaction to your post...
What's it about?
I want to wish you the best of luck in your studies!