Comments on: How many Psychologists does it take to Change a Light Globe?

By: Rebecca Chesin

Rebecca Chesin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:14:16 +0000

There’s a subtle implication in this piece that the client passively goes to a therapist and accepts treatment without question.

This is not a desirable scenario in any situation of requesting assistance from a professional/expert. Of course, by its nature, someone seeking help from a psychotherapist is often vulnerable in ways that those needing other types of services are not.

I do believe that the therapist is more responsible than the client. And I also believe that society bears a responsibility to see that therapists are trained in this aspect (they aren’t so much), that people are informed about their choices and responsibility.

I don’t earn my living because someone is suffering. I earn my living because someone has the courage to want more for themselves and because I help them learn how to alleviate their suffering.

My work has enriched my life in many more important ways than financial.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:02:06 +0000

I have been in therapy for 2 years now. Thank god I have an excellent health plan that gives me unlimited sessions…I could go 7 days a week if I wanted to. All I have to do is pay a co-pay…10 dollars a session…a small price to pay if you ask me. I am very lucky in that sense, some people don’t have insurance or their insurance caps the amount of sessions they are allowed to have.

By: Hillary_C

Hillary_C — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:04:01 +0000

I’m in an HMO, and my therapist gets a salary. This does impact the dynamic; covering the mortgage or tuition isn’t directly tied to MY payments, and I don’t give it much thought.

I go to the therapist because my friends and family, priest or boss – while good listeners – do not have the expertise in managing anxiety symptoms or recovering from a trauma.

Similarly, my firm charges clients by the hour for my expertise. Getting paid for your expertise seems very normal to me.

By: Beth

Beth — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:48:48 +0000

Wow. Dr. Wayne, I wouldn’t think of it that way. I would think of it more as you have all of those things because you’ve tried to ease others’ suffering. You didn’t make them suffer. They were already hurting before they met you. Being humble and staying grounded is good, I agree, but why punish yourself for being paid to do your job? You’re trying to create a world with less pain.

I think the fact that 2 human beings are connecting on some level makes it a beautiful thing, regardless of the money involved. I doubt that many effective therapists out there are in this field solely for the money Somewhere in them is a desire to help others. I think we pay for their time and their expertise, but not for their caring. That comes from within. Just my opinion, of course…

By: Dr_Wayne

Dr_Wayne — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:11:43 +0000

I often find myself reminding some of my colleagues that the work I do, the fact that I have a job, and the money I make, the things I own, etc etc are all because of someone else’s suffering.

Without these individuals, I would have nothing.

Helps them to see the reality of the world and maybe become more humble in the process.

Thank you for your post. I plan on sharing it with others.

By: PsychCentral

PsychCentral — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:31:02 +0000

Therapy Unplugged: How many Psychologists does it take to Change a Light Globe? http://bit.ly/I5o6P