By John Marzillier, PhD
on 12/22/11 - 11:59 AM
Throughout my career as a psychotherapist I struggled to find the right balance between using specific techniques and the importance of establishing a safe therapeutic relationship. Toward the end I veered more to the latter as I realised, rather belatedly I admit, that people sought therapy not necessarily to get better but often just to be heard. A safe haven and a sensitive, empathic and caring individual can be enough; specific techniques can get in the way. Of course this...
By John Marzillier, PhD
on 4/26/11 - 10:19 AM
In the film, <em>The King’s Speech</em>, George VI seeks treatment for his stammer from a maverick Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue, played brilliantly by Geoffrey Rush. “My patch, my rules,” is what Logue tells the King when he insists on being given special treatment. He is, after all, the King of England, used to deference and privilege. Logue accords him neither, treating him just like any other client. Or so we are led to believe. As a therapist I applaud...
By Howard Rosenthal, EdD
on 11/28/10 - 1:22 PM
In the early 90s I developed a classroom exercise to teach my students an important academic lesson. This is one of those experiential exercises where the professor feels holier- than- thou because he or she<em>knows </em>the outcome in advance. <br />
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First, I placed the students in groups of twos and asked one of the students to play the part of the helper while the other played the part of the client who tells a real or fictitious problem.Next I pulled...
