This article seems to define a common sense truth that to someone who is not affiliated with counseling makes a great deal of sense. Psychotherapy is such an important part of our society that this issue can not be taken lightly. Once someone has belief that they are doing the “right thing” it can be very difficult to dissuade their beha…
This article seems to define a common sense truth that to someone who is not affiliated with counseling makes a great deal of sense. Psychotherapy is such an important part of our society that this issue can not be taken lightly. Once someone has belief that they are doing the “right thing” it can be very difficult to dissuade their behavior and belief. If one truly believes they are justified in their actions, having an open mind to critically evaluate themselves seems like a difficult thing to ask for. Its strange to me that pushing ideology on others could ever be condoned in psychotherapy in the first place. I understand private companies, businesses and social media do this surgically and intentionally to maximize profit and followers, but in the healing of the mind, it has no place. Maybe as a society we have become numb due to the constant barrage of media (social and otherwise) pushing ideological agendas at us. I really believe that most humans (not all) given the chance would choose to help others and not harm. Dr. Kindsvatter, your article invaluably defines clear boundaries that are needed in psychotherapy to allow all counselors to thrive and to best help other humans heal their minds. It isn’t asking others to follow an ideology or belief that they aren’t comfortable with. In fact it frees counselors to hold onto their own sense of self identity, worth and beliefs. They don’t have to change a thing they believe in to adhere to this ethical practice. They just need to recognize what to leave outside of the counseling room and with an open mind, learn how to do that if it is unclear to them. After all, counseling is about healing and nurturing and advocating for another’s well being when they are at their most vulnerable. Psychotherapy is noble and worth preserving.
This article seems to define a common sense truth that to someone who is not affiliated with counseling makes a great deal of sense. Psychotherapy is such an important part of our society that this issue can not be taken lightly. Once someone has belief that they are doing the “right thing” it can be very difficult to dissuade their behavior and belief. If one truly believes they are justified in their actions, having an open mind to critically evaluate themselves seems like a difficult thing to ask for. Its strange to me that pushing ideology on others could ever be condoned in psychotherapy in the first place. I understand private companies, businesses and social media do this surgically and intentionally to maximize profit and followers, but in the healing of the mind, it has no place. Maybe as a society we have become numb due to the constant barrage of media (social and otherwise) pushing ideological agendas at us. I really believe that most humans (not all) given the chance would choose to help others and not harm. Dr. Kindsvatter, your article invaluably defines clear boundaries that are needed in psychotherapy to allow all counselors to thrive and to best help other humans heal their minds. It isn’t asking others to follow an ideology or belief that they aren’t comfortable with. In fact it frees counselors to hold onto their own sense of self identity, worth and beliefs. They don’t have to change a thing they believe in to adhere to this ethical practice. They just need to recognize what to leave outside of the counseling room and with an open mind, learn how to do that if it is unclear to them. After all, counseling is about healing and nurturing and advocating for another’s well being when they are at their most vulnerable. Psychotherapy is noble and worth preserving.