A few times people have expressed reservations about my use of client descriptions on this bog.
That is an important point because strict confidentiality is crucial to doing therapy. If people thought what they were saying or thinking was being spread out over the virtual world I am sure they would feel quite betrayed.
Yet, case material is the essence of teaching, demonstrating and discussing. Almost all books, web pages or blogs about psychotherapy cite case material.
So first, let me say, that I certainly never use anyone's real name, or even an accurate description. All identifying details are altered so that, while a person may recognize the kind of problem being discussed as similar to their own, they would never be able to say that the material is actually about them.
Also, very few of you know who I am, and where I practice. And none of you would recognize any of the people I speak about here, under any circumstances, except maybe our President and Manny Ramirez.
I present the stuff here for many reason. The first of which is that after all of these years I want to be able to draw some conclusions about how and why people do things, and what can help them lead happier, healthier, more productive lives.
The second is that I have come to see life, hour after hour, as a marvelous kaleidoscope, that when held up to the light, reveals various colorful, intricate, many faceted patterns, that change each time they are twisted, moved and resettled. I want to give the people who stop by at this blog the sense of my enchantment with the rich variety of how our species treats themselves and each other.
Third, my wife is tired of listening to all this. She thinks I just deal in the miserable end of the spectrum. But that isn't so. I want to convey my feeling that everyone, with or without some kind of approved diagnosis, is just struggling to find their way through a world that offers no clear or certain path to success or happiness. In fact, there isn't even an agreed upon definition of success or happiness.
I hope that puts you all at ease, and keeps the lawyers away.
5 comments:
Yep, that puts me at ease. Thanks for sharing that.
If anyone has even half a brain, they should know as a therapist you change names, descriptions, and everything. Hasn't anyone seen a book or magazine on psychology/psychiatry that starts "Q, 47, is a long time...." Jeez!
Keep blogging!
I for one appreciate you sharing what it's like in other people's walks of life. I understand that someone's story is being told here, but if there's no way for anyone to find out who you're talking about, you're not really breaking confidentiality, are you?
Keep up the good work. Keep blogging. I think you're helping everyone who reads this blog, as well as your patients.
LOL, no lawyers here.
I've always used the kaleidescope analogy, as well. Very true!
The more I learn about other people, the more I learn about myself...so, I enjoy your writings much.
p&l...
The way I see it, you're doing the blogosphere a huge service by pulling 'double duty'. Personally, I feel that relating your clinical experiences contributes to a greater understanding of what moves/paralyzes people in general, and helps me gain a broader perspective - at no financial cost or personal expense - so thank you very much!
In no way do I see what you do here as a violation of patient privacy rights. Even if I were to detect a similarity between your writings and my own life experience or someone else's, your anecdotal postings are to therapy what legal briefs are to an aspiring lawyer, hence the term 'anecdotal'.
In my opinion, your presence here is the equivalent of renting a flick instead of driving to the movie theater. Readily available. How much more educational, convenient and cost efficient can psychotherapy get?
Again, thanks!
FYI: The following quote is at the foot of my e-mails:
"The skill it takes to try something real and fail is greater than what it takes to follow The Yellow Brick Road." - The Therapist Mumbles
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