I know it has come up here before, we talk a lot about mental health and personal struggles here. I'm curious what other people's thoughts on this are. Do you think it's a good idea to take what you've learned of psychology to diagnose others or make diagnostic suggestions either IRL or online?
If you have a degree/qualifications and are a clinician, have you or would you do this--especially when it is not solicited? Is it ethical to do this?
What do you think are the Pros and Cons of doing this? How should you go about it if you suspect an issue?
In Counselling for example there is a period of theorizing, which is designed to help the counsellor zero in on the clients location mentally/emotionally. But here's the thing. These Theories are to NEVER, be shared with the client, because a great deal of information and time is needed for a better and more informed understanding of the mental and emotional landscape of the client. Also, obviously, a great deal of damage can be done to an individual in a vulnerable state.
People put their trust in professionals so it's even more important for the counsellor to be of sound reputation.
Sadly all too often the job attracts a certain type who only have their own interests in mind.
A recent example I can think of is a former Mormon who has since become a vocal protestor against his former church, who just happens to be a counsellor, although having recently completed a degree in Psychology now calls himself '' Dr '' Anyways he is a sketchy character as his online presence is still there to be seen and you can see umpteen posts from him, diagnosing people left right and center online, on a forum for why ? Because he didn't like them or they had the gaul to have a different opinion from himself. He always presents himself as a harmless , sensitive caring guy, even described himself as a '' Big Cuddly Bear '' at one point when someone questioned his ethics.
He's also set up a nice niche where he has published hundreds of materials online designed to cause strife and doubt within Mormon families that he just so happens to have the answer to, at £145 for 45 minutes of his time.
Like many of his ilk, he likes to present himself as a savoir and the moral standard, also likes flaunt his degrees and qualifications whenever possible.
Fact of the matter is,
Claiming to be a health care professional, then diagnosing someone over the internet is morally disgusting and highly unprofessional. It would be entirely reasonable to question said persons motives. Personally I'd stay well clear of such people as they tend to be rotten to the core.
It's a crying shame as they give the rest of the profession a really bad name.
Good thread, well worth looking into.
ps, Pro tip.
See when they start talking about '' Journeys ''And using a load of old symbolism in their laguage, they're basically wafting the gas works of their brain farts at you. Stop the session and go find an adult.