Epistemology and Psychotherapy

I wanted to start a discussion on epistemology and psychotherapy.

Here are two articles that discuss the two:

http://blogs.psychcentral.com/mindfu...thoughts-ants/

This article above is very simple. The author discusses how our 'compelling thoughts' may not have as much validity as we originally thought they did once we ask ourselves some questions like 'is it true?'. But the question remains as to whether validity matters to an individual or not.

On The Backwards Epistemology Of Misguided Psychotherapists

I haven't read this article entirely yet, but it seems more difficult. There are some points throughout that could and should be argued against as well. However, it does also emphasize misgivings in psychotherapy.

Anyway, I feel this topic is particularly important me because I want to become a psychiatrist. I also feel that not only does epistemology affect psychotherapy but also morality, ethics, aesthetics and the like. The implications for 'bad' psychotherapy affects not only the individual but also the individual's family, friends and work. It then ultimately affects his or her culture and society.

Dere is a variety uh different styles uh counselin' psychology. Slap mah fro! Generally rappin', neida' is considered da damn best - it depends on de psychologist and da damn client. Man! Rap derapy be very popular, and dere is some problems wid it, but dis article be completely off de mark. Ya' know? De second article assumes dat most sucka's mosey on down to see some psychologist cuz' of some broad epistemological problem. WORD! Dat's usually not da damn case. Dey mostly gots real specific concerns which kin actually be planned away. Slap mah fro! In fact, recent studies gots found dat rap derapy be plum as baaaad as anti-depressants. ah' real dink de audo' uh de second article duzn't know whut he's rappin' about. Man! Rap derapy real wo'ks fo' most patients.

Originally Posted by timeless

Dere is a variety uh different styles uh counselin' psychology. Slap mah fro! Generally rappin', neida' is considered da damn best - it depends on de psychologist and da damn client. Man! Rap derapy be very popular, and dere is some problems wid it, but dis article be completely off de mark. Ya' know? De second article assumes dat most sucka's mosey on down to see some psychologist cuz' of some broad epistemological problem. WORD! Dat's usually not da damn case. Dey mostly gots real specific concerns which kin actually be planned away. Slap mah fro! In fact, recent studies gots found dat rap derapy be plum as baaaad as anti-depressants. ah' real dink de audo' uh de second article duzn't know whut he's rappin' about. Man! Rap derapy real wo'ks fo' most patients.

I like your style. I also agree with you on some points too!

Epistemology can plays its role in psychotherapy as well any reasonable form of helping someone.
If patient of yours was raped as a child and that left them feeling worthless, depressed, and at times suicidal. To the patient his/her beliefs are justified by the events that took place in his/her childhood. Are you able to fully help your patient if you don't challenge the patients justified belief. Or will you agree with your patient's beliefs that his/her life is broken forever and never be helped due to the patient's justifiable reasoning?