Mental Health Information

there are other models than the medical one.

The medical model uses the DSM and the alternative ICD-10. I spent the first part of my career contorting my humanistic training and basic model of psychological well-being into the medical model in order to receive insurance and work for hospitals & clinics. I have now stopped that. All therapists whether they use the DSM or as I do, the PDM, rely upon their best judgement when making a diagnosis. A good psychologist like myself continues to utilize a supervisor and the community of peers when necessary when working with young or old in one's office. In the medical model the diagnosis is the patient, and the patient is the diagnosis. In the humanistic model, a diagnosis is a working theory used by the therapist or treatment team only in order to provide individual care and treatment for that unique individual. It is dynamic and not a static diagnosis that will follow a person on their medical record for the rest of their life.

I have both a Masters and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology. I have been licensed for almost 25 years. I have practical training, supervision, and training analysis in several psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, and somatic schools. I also integrate mindfulness practices from the Buddhist path I follow. I am a member in good standing of the APA with membership and activity in several divisions. I have been quite critical of the APA in recent years for various reasons including the torture issues, however, I still maintain my membership and plan to do so for the foreseeable future. I have never had a problem getting any form of malpractice insurance even now when I do not use the DSM.