Psychology is a diverse collection of people with varying interests and beliefs
in spite of the image some of us academics may try to foster of its scientific
perspective. I wonder if there are surveys of the clinical divisions that
might give us a better idea as to how prevalent such non-sensical views really
are regarding the belief in special individual talents, intuitions, or even
psychic abilities? I would expect/hope such views might be in the minority.
As far as evidence-based practices and alternative health treatments go, I
suspect individual practitioners will do what they can to make money and serve
people in accord with their educational preparation and conscience. There
will always be questionable therapies and practices, and some will become
mainstream regardless of their scientific basis--psychoanalytic, chiropractic,
various transpersonal-mind-body-spirit approaches, etc. come to mind here, and
all may have value to some regardless their evidential basis. This is
especially likely to be the case if the criteria is making people feel happy,
giving attention and support, etc. In this regard, the poor person's
therapists (psychics, chiropractics, and spiritual counselors of all sorts)
may have their place. I hope their place is not in APA approved
clinical/counseling programs, but such programs are not entirely driven by
scientific perspectives. We should also note and be alert to the problems and
harm that various therapies and programs might promote. In this regard, I
copied (below) from another list and author a useful link. I think we need to
be cautious about these kinds of sites as I do not know if their information is
correct, but it may be of interest and could be checked out. Gary
http://whatstheharm.net/index.html
Gerald L. (Gary) Peterson, Ph.D.
Professor, Psychology
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI 48710
989-964-4491
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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