CHRISTADELPHIANS AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
This is an issue of great interest and concern. Some believe
that to use a professional therapist is a sure sign of weakness
and worldliness, others will attest to psychotherapy being
a Godsend in their lives.
PART 1
THE THREE MODELS: MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, SPIRITUAL
Before we can even begin to talk about psychotherapy, we
need to first discuss the broader area of mental health. Very
generally, we have three views, or models, or paradigms, of
problems of the mind, emotions, and behavior. They are:
- The Medical Model. Mental problems are labeled sickness
or illness, the person with the problem, the problem is
a patient. Mental illness is treated by medical doctors
(usually psychiatrists), primarily with medications, and
sometimes, in a hospital or other institutional setting.
There is no moral component. The goal of therapy is usually
stabilization and treatment is focused on the symptoms.
Complete cure is seldom considered feasible or possible.
The patient’s role in the recovery process is usually
limited to compliance with the medications and other prescriptive
advice given by the doctor.
- The Psychological Model. Mental problems are labeled disorders.
Both internal and external factors are considered in determining
causality. Mental disorders are treated by psychotherapists
of various professional backgrounds, but primarily by clinical
psychologists. The methods of treatment usually consist
of talking about the various issues involved and directives
for changes in behavioral patterns. There is no moral component,
except if harm to others or legal consequences exists, and
this morality would be flexible in various circumstances.
The goal of treatment is changed thinking and/or behavior,
with a resultant increase in social functioning and coping
skills. The person with the problem is usually called a
client, and the client’s role in the therapy is to
actively participate with the therapist in formulating and
carrying out treatment plans.
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