I really appreciate the very thoughtful and insightful messages in this new home for therapists. I am only sorry that it did not exist during my many years as a therapist.
I had the good fortune to be practicing as a social worker during the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and now a new decade begins. The most interesting part of working with others was discovering and learning how to stay present, aware, open, accepting, and allowing. Also, I learned that we must embody the principles of our profession that include supporting the dignity and respect of those we serve/relate, maintain a non-judgmental attitude, and respect self-determination of our client.
Thus, the primary contradictions with therapy for me, have been the use of labels, the belief by the mental health community that their primary concentration or focus is the mind, and their unwillingness to see the need for touch as a therapeutic intervention. I believe that the boundaries established by Freud and his followers have prevented the use of healthy or loving touch to be used for improving the quality of life, health, and relationship. Many see the use of touch as out right criminal by the professional. I believe that many therapists are very fearful of touch because of their own personal experiences related to touch and conflicts related to sex. I had a client tell me once--how can I trust my therapist when they won't touch me.
Anyway, after practicing meditation, massage, martial arts, for decades, I have found that with self-observation and mindfulness I can maintain an open-mind and interact more effectively with the whole person--physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I have also discovered that I am not treating, but rather, empowering others to support the changes that they wish to make in their lives--supporting their self-determination without judgment or ownership.
These MH labels do get in our way and place us in an untenable position that contradicts our core principles. I want to know how others live with these conflicts and what others are doing to change these outdated policies and practices.
I hope this discussion serves to help us open up to other possibilites such as integrative medicine.