Category Archives: Uncategorized

Will a therapist not trained in handling transference be able to work through and understand issues like a client being jealous of and angry towards him/her?

Posted on August 23, 2019 by left0089

In short, no, not at all. That is unless this untrained therapist is in intensive consultation with a psychodynamic or psychoanalytic psychotherapist. Being able to navigate through the thickets of transference and countertransference is an art. It takes a good … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

How can someone help a young child with anxiety about the weather?

Posted on August 20, 2019 by left0089

Let the young child talk about the weather and what scares her or him. It would help to go online and help him, or she to discover sites that explain all kinds of weather. It would then be worthwhile to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Crucifixion of Tomas Young

Posted on July 5, 2019 by left0089

I am posting this article by one of my revolutionary heroes, Chris Hedges. I’ll not reveal anything of the piece here with the hope that you will discover the anti-war message so dreadfully captured in the life of this young … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Pain Clinics as the New Exploiters of Pain Patients

Posted on May 29, 2019 by left0089

It finally happened to me. I watched and reported on it for years, and now I am the subject of my column on abandoned patients. My doctor referred me to a pain clinic for continuing opioid prescriptions. He informed me … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Former Drug Czar: going after prescription opioids is wrongheaded

Posted on May 11, 2019 by left0089

https://www.foxnews.com/health/former-drug-czar-opioid-epidemic-focus-missing-real-culprit

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

https://truthout.org/articles/rise-in-white-prisoners-shows-prison-racism-goes-beyond-disparities/

Posted on April 29, 2019 by left0089
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

How does one acquire a “Thicker Skin” in dealing with highly emotional taxing careers such as a Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

Posted on April 22, 2019 by left0089

“Thick skin” is a provocative notion about which all new therapists should consider, then reject. In my work and with those younger therapists with whom I’ve taught and consulted, I do the opposite. I try to help them become even … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Should a psychotherapist be completely transparent in patient interactions? More specifically, should they openly express or conceal their emotions and reactions to the patient?

Posted on April 18, 2019 by left0089

The answer depends on the patient, her/his diagnosis, and the state of the relationship between us. No, in general, I am cautious about many of my thoughts and feelings as I treat them as speculative. However, if what I am … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

I’ve been told that all personality disorders are egosyntonic, and that therefore if I wonder about having BPD I don’t, and should not see a doctor. Is this true?

Posted on April 14, 2019 by left0089

Ask yourself this, Dan. Would you find the following egosyntonic: afraid that everyone despises your very presence. How about this: you fear close emotional relationships based on the “crazy” closeness that you experienced as a small child. Add to that … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

I think my therapist is retiring.She knows I have abandonment issues.I think she is testing me.Something about the way she is acting makes me feel she’s getting ready to tell me she will be leaving. Do therapist test their clients? How can I tell?

Posted on April 14, 2019 by left0089

No, I can’t imagine a competent/ethical therapist “testing” any patient. The best way to handle this, and likely a good step for you, would be to talk to your therapist about your fantasies of being abandoned by her. I suspect … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment