Posted by mattdds on December 26, 2003, at 17:59:34
In reply to Re: Therapist Orientation? CBT or psychodynamic?, posted by gardenergirl on December 26, 2003, at 11:55:23
Hello,
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, it's interesting to hear it from the perspective of someone who actually practices psychodynamic therapy.
>>As I am more of an introspective, feeling-oriented person, this therapy works for me. I think that CBT would feel too practical and intellectual to help me.
I just had a question about that statement. I was unclear about a couple of things. How does being "introspective" relate to the type of therapy that will work? Also...introspective as opposed to what? Shallow? That might seem to imply that psychodynamic therapy selects out the "introspective" people. I'm not sure there is any evidence for this. Perhaps there is, though, but would this translate into better outcome?
Also, what do you mean by "feeling-oriented"?
I used to consider myself very introspective, and when I was severely depressed I was even more so. Actually, one of the aims of my therapy was to cut down on introspection. I used to use (abuse?) introspection as a means of "getting to the bottom" of my problems, as if there were some evil core that I had to break through to. In short, what I used to call introspection, I now call rumination.
I started feeling better when I learned to stop doing this. I learned to stop wondering about the "origin" of my problems, and started working on defining specific problems and making specific solutions. Dealing on an abstract, vague level has never worked for me.
I'm not saying healthy introspection and self awareness are not healthy and desirable attributes, I'm just wondering how that relates to selection of therapeutic style. I'm also wondering if all that introspection really solves anything. My experience is the opposite, but we're all different.
>> I think that CBT would feel too practical and intellectual...
Again, we're all so different :). My newer view is that practicality is all there really is in life, everything else is a mirage, in my view. If my symptoms are relieved and my relationships are healthy, I don't really care what lurks in the deep dark rancid corners of my subconscious.
Anyway, thank you for your exchange and your input. And best of luck in your studies.
Best,
Matt
poster:mattdds
thread:293462
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031221/msgs/293600.html