Doc, Can You Help? is a unique service to the secular humanist community. A secular advice column, authored by Dr. Vincent Parr, it deals with all aspects of human problems ranging from disappointment to stress and suffering.
There are, however, basically two types of wisdom; wisdom that comes from words and concepts that are essentially left brain processes; and wisdom that comes from right brain processes, i.e., without words and concepts. Dr. Parr will use both of these areas to answer your questions and guide you to the dual goal of minimizing your problems and finding true contentment.
Doc will answer as many questions as time permits that are submitted to: dparr11@verizon.net
Dear Doc,
I've been thinking about getting therapy again. It's worked for me before; indeed, I think it's done me more good than medication. I think I had CBT with a touch of Zen. My therapist stressed mindfulness and she was willing to work with me where I was at. She was Jewish (a convert to Judaism) who seemed to have a little bit of Zen going in her practice and I was a Secular Humanist. She got me which was something I really liked. When I get therapy again, I really hope I get her again and maybe we could go through Zen this time, a little more actively.
I've also thought about getting into DBT and wondered if you knew anything about that particular form of therapy. I mostly want to use it for weight loss; my boss is all about this therapy. She's read up on it and I believe she's had some training in it. She said it's helped her; I'm just looking for a variety of opinions on this subject from therapists and counselors.
Thank you,
Mindful and Wondering
Hi Mindful,
I support your decision to seek a therapist who practices both Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (or CBT) and Zen (or Mindfulness). In my opinion this cannot be surpassed IF of course this is taught by a therapist who is competent in both approaches. I say, "taught" because I do not consider people that come for a combination of these approaches patients or clients -- I consider them "students." No approach that results in an overall fulfillment and joy in life can be brief -- which is what a lot of Western Psychology emphasizes. Patients want "fast" results -- Students know that happiness is a process and that you never stop learning.
I often point out that there are two kinds of wisdom: left brain and right brain. Left brain wisdom is through words and concepts and right brain wisdom is without words and concepts. For example, when you go to a restaurant you don't eat the menu for satisfaction. Words and concepts can point to the experience but they will never "be" the experience. To be truly happy in life, you have to get your knowledge into understanding. This requires an equanimity (or balance) of both left and right brain processes. DBT is one of the approaches that utilize a combination of Eastern and Western thought. Marsha technique which combines CBT and the mindful awareness techniques of Thich Nhat Hanh. So, it is on the right track!
My best to you,
Doc