While it’s true that technically she is a doctor, using the prefix “Dr” in this context seems to me like referring to themselves as an attorney because someone has granted them power of attorney. And as far a legal entitlement goes, as far as I know there would be nothing illegal about me starting a show called “Dr. Ryan”. It’s my show, I can call it whatever I want. So saying that Laura is legally entitled to use the prefix “Dr” isn’t saying much. Ethically, I don’t think it’s right to use the prefix “Dr” in a medical context unless one is actually practicing medicine within the field of the degree. That’s why I object to “Dr” Phil; he may have a degree in psychiatry, but he isn’t practicing medicine. A doctor is much more than simply someone with a degree.
I think Phil is a psychologist not a psychiatrist. there’s a big difference. A psychiatrist can give you drugs.
You seem a little defensive, even aggressive considering that we’re talking about Dr. Phil, not you. It sounds to me like you might have some issues that you aren’t aware of. :dubious:
Therapists are different from lawyers and surgeons. You are working with a person’s mind and feelings. If you think that you are like any other commercially-oriented professional, then I would not want you as my therapist. A first impression is that you lack empathy. Let me guess – cognitive therapy?
I was assuming he was a psychiatrist because psychologists don’t need doctorates (although apparently some do have them).
MissBungle
She decided she didn’t want to have sex anymore (or at least not now… I really hope Phil didn’t put her off sex for life). So now she’s not having sex (and I don’t see why EasyPhil thinks there’s something wrong with this decision). Problem solved. What does she need Phil for? Seems to me she was doing okay before he came around.
Well, I am probably going to get slammed for this but I think Dr. Phil does a good job.
His advice, as far as I can tell from watching the show, is spot on correct.
Dr. Phil looks at the issues involved and provides decent advice. Is his advice on the TV show short? Yes, it is. But from what I understand Dr. Phil keeps track of the people on his show and offers more counseling after they appear on the show.
I also think that Dr. Phil cuts through the BS and gets to the real issues.
Slee
According to his website, ole Dr. Phil got his Ph.D. from the University of North Texas. I don’t know their policy about therapy for graduate students, but it is more likely than not that they don’t require it. Most programs I know of don’t. Neither of the two programs I know intimately–the University of North Carolina or the University of Massachusetts–require that people studying to be psychologists receive psychotherapy, although they do strongly encourage it. I suspect that is pretty common.
I was in therapy a few times during my training and found it to be very helpful, not only with my own problems, but also with just knowing what it was like to the client. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be a therapist.
Psychologists can have PHDs and be called “doctor,” but they do not have MDs which is what psychiatrists have.
I am aggressive in my defense of psychology against abuses that psychologists have committed. One that is frequently cited is engaging people in non-specific therapy for unlimited lengths of time. I encourage you to find a person you are comfortable with who will help you with specific issues that you are struggling with right now. Solution-focused, short term therapy. Otherwise, the potential is too great that the psychologist is abusing the situation for financial gain, which does damage to us all. It’s hard enough to fight against the abuses psychologists have committed, let alone being lumped in with TV show therapy and Drs. who provide “therapeutic” advice based on degrees in physiology or accounting or what have you.
I think that if psychologists are mandated to participate in therapy regardless of difficulties that they might be having, they may well learn empathy for the frustration that someone would feel sitting in session for no particular reason with no particular goals. Feel free to seek out any one you feel comfortable with; I would not be comfortable providing therapy to you with no goals, either. But I do feel for you.
The Ryan, when someone has a Ph.D, it is correct to call them “Doctor” when they are practicing in their field. How many college professors who have Ph.Ds are called “Dr.”?
Oh, and yes, Dr. Phil is an asshat.