Modalities; Studies & Reality
What matters most is the person you're working with and an understanding of their experience. I've studied many theorists – the best therapy is caring. Really, that is what makes the world go round, and it is the clincher in any therapeutic relationship.
Some of my favorite theorists include Freud, a true pioneer. His ability to translate simple interpretations should be admired since he was the first one who gave meaning to dreams, slips of the tongue, etc.
I loved Margaret Mahler because she understood that hurt people need nurturing to heal; another simple, and far reaching premise. Mahler is famous for her work with abusive mothers. She proved that when she gave love to the mothers, their abuse of the children stopped.
On conducting the psychiatric interview, technique and practice, Ralph Greenson is still a standard today.
Over 20 years ago, Alice Miller was important for her book, "The Drama of the Gifted Child." This book is still a classic. It "helped people reclaim their lives by discovering their own needs and their own truth." -Washington Post Book World" Miller wrote, "Battered children will batter others, punished children act punitively, children lied to become liars themselves." *
Salvadore Minuchin enters the family dynamics to change the interactions and empower parents and caretakers. He shows that in a family, if one person is in a particular role, and that person changes their role, then another family member will take on parts of that role, maintaining a homeostasis.
My purpose here is to mention of few of the theorists who have influenced my work and philosophy. Charles Brenner was worth the study. Alfred Kadushin cut to the chase by using simple, easy to understand text. Lawrence Schulman's "The Skills of Helping Individuals and groups," is still a classic. And all clinicians must be familiar with the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders".
My view is eclectic - talking is of the utmost importance - and the client must feel comfortable to reveal themselves and their eccentricities. Honesty is important in the therapeutic relationship. I do provide feedback and assist in providing direction. The most important thing is helping a person become resourceful and independent. I am familiar with various alternative techniques, i.e. meditation, tarot, flower essences, and herbs, to integrate and focus mind and body.
* From a "A Manifesto by Alice Miller"