[lbo-talk] Bas Shrinks (Was Re: High Hat (Was other things))

[Miles Jackson]

andie nachgeborenen wrote:
> Standard double blind studies I have seen, which I am
> sure others can fill in better than I, suggests that
> psychotherapy is no more effective than just talking
> to someone. Anecdotally, I and my family have has
> experience with shrinks and mental health
> professionals ranging from disastrous to awful, with
> two exceptions. I stumbled by blind chance on a first
> rate shrink, shabby loop office, older guy -- no
> computer! -- but really excellent. Also there's a
> first rate drug Dr on the N. Shore, he has PhD in EE,
> which may explain why he's so good. Regularly listed
> as among the 50 best drs in the Chicago area, he works
> at the VA Hospital, God bless 'em, so he's a good
> person as well as a good Dr. Other people, you don't
> want to think about then. That's anecdote, but I don't
> think it's unrepresentative.
>
>   
I hesitate to say anything, given andie's previous ill-mannered post, 
but I have to correct him.  His experience is anecdotal; there are no 
double-blind studies that support his claim.  Overall, experimental 
studies have demonstrated that outcomes are better for clients who 
recieve psychotherapy than for clients who receive a "placebo talking" 
treatment.  I know that andie's had bad personal experiences with 
psychotherapists, but the existing scientific data do not support his 
argument.

Miles