"You need to really believe in it in order to do it..."

After facilitating a family therapy session this morning, a senior colleague imparted some of his knowledge to me and advised that for next time, I could pursue work on externalisation with the family.

Now, I'm not all that familiar with this technique; I've seen it done and I've had a go at doing it under close supervision, but other than that I don't know that I'd feel all that comfortable with attempting to pursue it when I am not all that familiar with it. So I told him how I felt about it, and he agreed. He also said that it's not just a matter of learning about a technique, but, "you need to really believe in it in order to do it..."

I think this is where the problem lies.

The problem is, although I find aspects of all therapies, including CBT, existential, person-centered and psycho-dynamic useful: I don't know if I could ever have a passion, at the same level that my colleague has his passion for systemic theories. I acknowledge that I am a junior, comparatively speaking. I have not spent as long a time as they have thinking about the ins and outs of the different types of therapies. But, saying that, I have spent enough time thinking about the philosophy behind them.

And therapy just doesn't cut it.

Reflective thinking, which is a by-product of therapy is a useful tool to have. There's a lot to be said about gaining knowledge of one's self - if only to find out just how utterly narcissistic we all are.

Psychoanalysis, for example, is the epitome of self-reflexivity. But where do we go from there? "Ok, I've gained some knowledge about the level of havoc my life has been caused because of my parents", but what next? Cognitive Behaviour Therapy may offer a better answer as it claims not to dwell too much on the past, but to build some strategies into the individuals' lives in order to cope with depression, anxiety, psychoses, panic attacks, phobias etc. for the future. Admittedly, lives do improve. We do see a level of happiness and meaning and purpose return to their lives - if only for a season. Inevitably, and as life has its ups and downs: those who have a predisposition to depression, eventually slip back into old ways of being and doing... Cognitive Behaviour Therapists acknowledges that life will only improve and be maintained as long as individuals make the effort to think positively and pursue positive activities to aid good mental health.

Only the most determined, those who relentlessly keep going are the ones whose lives improve. And those who do not: assume old habits and the failure to succeed only perpetuate the on-going despair.

Therapy just doesn't cut it with me. Well, not the way that it is done within secular society. Within a Christian context, therapy is a useful way for us to see just how self-centered we are. It is a good way to see that most, if not ALL of our actions are motivated by looking out for number one. And in seeing who-we-really-are, we see who-He-really-is and what He has done...

I sometimes feel so overwhelmed. I'm way in over my head with this one. I need some sleep.